Turkish Airlines has made a momentous stride in its expansion plans, revealing the acquisition of an impressive fleet of 355 cutting-edge Airbus aircraft. This significant investment encompasses 250 of the highly sought-after A321s and 105 of the remarkably efficient A350 widebody aircraft. Among these, 60 firm orders, 20 purchase rights for A350-900s, 15 firm orders for A350-1000s, and 5 firm orders along with 5 purchase rights for A350-Freighters are included.
This strategic move underscores Turkish Airlines’ steadfast commitment to bolstering operational efficiency, prioritising environmental stewardship, and elevating passenger comfort. The incorporation of these state-of-the-art aircraft aligns seamlessly with the airline’s vision to maintain its leadership in the aviation industry while fostering sustainable growth.
In line with this significant fleet expansion, Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Türkiye, plans to continue to reinforce its status as an airline with one of the world’s most comprehensive flight networks. The addition of these Airbus aircraft will further enhance the airline’s ability to connect Türkiye to the farthest corners of the globe, offering its passengers even more destinations and travel options while maintaining the highest standards of service and connectivity that Turkish Airlines is renowned for.
“This landmark order is more than an expansion; it’s a testament to our dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and a sustainable future. The addition of these advanced Airbus aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also significantly contribute to our environmental goals. This investment is a crucial milestone in the further evolution of Türkiye’s aviation industry. By modernizing our fleet with more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, we are reinforcing our leading position in global aviation and contributing to the nation’s prominence as an aviation hub,” said Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat.
Discussing growth, challenges, and opportunities during a fireside chat in ET Travel & Tourism Conclave, Akasa Air’s CCO & Co Founder, Praveen Iyer emphasised leveraging the nation’s top-tier service and potential. He said that despite pandemic induced slowdown, India’s aviation sector rebounded with record passengers. Iyer underscored infrastructure and tech advancements as pivotal tools while also sharing Akasa’s growth story and international expansion plans on the sidelines.
“Furthermore, this expansion will also have a considerable positive impact on Türkiye’s tourism sector. Enhanced flight operations and increased connectivity, thanks to these state-of-the-art aircraft, will attract more international tourists, boosting the tourism economy. This will not only showcase Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to a wider audience but also support the overall growth of the country. With our home base in Istanbul, which straddles continents, we continue our mission of bridging people from all over the world. These new aircraft are not just a step forward for Turkish Airlines but represent a leap forward for the broader aviation and tourism industries in Türkiye, guiding us towards an even brighter future.”“This order for the latest generation aircraft is a demonstration of the bold vision by Turkish Airlines. The A350-900, A350-1000, A350F and A321 will all be flagship aircraft in their respective category and efficiency drivers to shape the airline’s future and sustainable expansion, with more range, less fuel, noise and emissions and best cabin in class. The opening into the A350-1000 and the A350F highlights the cross- model value of the A350 family and reinforces our long-lasting partnership with Turkish Airlines and Türkiye’s aviation sector overall and we are proud to accompany Turkey‘s connection to the world with our state-of-the-art aircraft,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International.Both aircraft types incorporate advanced technologies, achieving remarkable improvements in fuel burn, operating costs, CO2 emissions, and noise reduction, underscoring Turkish Airlines’ commitment to sustainability and passenger comfort.
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Polish flag-carrier LOT Polish Airlines has set its sights on significant expansion, unveiling a comprehensive strategy extending until 2028. This ambitious roadmap outlines pivotal enhancements, including a fleet upgrade, an expanded route network, and a substantial cabin transformation for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner long-haul fleet. Furthermore, the airline is set to broaden its US offerings through a newly established codeshare agreement with Jetblue Airways, effective from the end of October 2023.
LOT Polish Airlines has set the target of increasing its fleet size by approximately 50 per cent by 2028, scaling up from the current 75 aircraft to 110. Alongside this substantial fleet expansion, the airline aims to see a remarkable surge in passenger numbers, projecting around a 70 per cent growth. This translates to an estimated 16.9 million passengers in 2028, compared to the expected 10.3 million for 2023.
Expanding route network
To match this fleet expansion and growing passenger demand, LOT Polish Airlines plans to introduce nearly 20 new destinations to its scheduled flight network, spanning both medium and long-haul routes. In addition to these expansions, the airline said it is dedicated to investing in airport facilities to enhance the passenger experience. This commitment includes remodeling and refreshing the LOT Polonez Business Lounge at its global hub in Warsaw, as well as the establishment of a new LOT Polish Airlines lounge at Terminal 5 in Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner upgrades
On its long-haul routes, LOT Polish Airlines exclusively deploys Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline is set to undergo a comprehensive retrofit of these aircraft across all cabins. Inspired by Polish landscapes, the airline mentioned that the future interiors are designed to reflect modernity, Polish hospitality, and the airline’s nearly 95 years of history.
New Recaro seats will be introduced in LOT Business Class, LOT Premium Economy Class, and LOT Economy Class aboard the Dreamliner fleet. In LOT Business Class, a 1-2-1 configuration will provide direct aisle access for each passenger. Notable amenities will include doors at the seats to ensure privacy and additional storage space for personal items. Passengers in LOT Premium Economy Class can expect more space and ergonomic seating, while those in LOT Economy Class will benefit from increased legroom and more comfortable seat upholstery.
Between 2023 and the end of 2032, United expects to receive approximately 800 new narrowbody and widebody aircraft. A key aspect of the United Next plan is increasing gauge size, flying larger planes with more available seats on the same routes. This strategy enhances connectivity within the United network, both domestically and internationally.
LOT Polish Airlines said it is also enhancing the onboard entertainment options for its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. These widebody aircraft will feature Wi-Fi connectivity, and every seat will be equipped with a 4K screen. Passengers will be able to use their own Bluetooth headphones, and USB-C ports for charging mobile devices will be available at every seat. Power outlets can be found in both premium classes, with wireless charging options available in LOT Business Class.The airline anticipates the operation of the first retrofitted Boeing Dreamliners in 2026.
Codeshare with Jetblue
LOT Polish Airlines has also entered into a new codeshare partnership with Jetblue Airways, effective from October 30, 2023. This collaboration opens up additional options for passengers from Europe or India traveling via Warsaw to various destinations in the United States. Travellers can now enjoy enhanced connectivity to cities like Boston, Orlando, Detroit, Las Vegas, and Atlanta.
Michał Fijoł, CEO of LOT Polish Airlines, expressed his excitement about the new strategy, stating, “The new corporate strategy is a promise for upcoming decades. Global air traffic is evolving rapidly. We want to be one of the leaders of this evolution and prepare LOT Polish Airlines optimally for the second century of the company’s history.”
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