Turkish Airlines’ Impressive Growth in 2024
In a remarkable display of strategic expansion and operational enhancement, Turkish Airlines has reported significant growth in its operational figures for May 2024. With a current fleet size exceeding 400 aircraft, the airline has effectively increased its capacity, as evidenced by a 7.3% rise in available seat kilometers (ASKs), from 19.9 billion in May 2023 to 21.3 billion in May 2024. This strategic capacity enhancement has enabled Turkish Airlines to serve a total of 7.2 million passengers within the month, achieving a load factor of 79.8%. The domestic sectors have shown outstanding performance with an 84.2% load factor, whereas international flights registered a load factor of 79.3%.
The airline’s focus on boosting its international traffic is evident from the 3.6% increase in international-to-international transfer passengers, rising from 2.4 million in May 2023 to 2.5 million in May 2024. Additionally, Turkish Airlines has also seen a significant uptick in cargo operations, with a 28.8% increase in air cargo volume, indicating robust growth in this segment.
Expansion of Fleet and New Routes
Continuing its fleet expansion, Turkish Airlines has incorporated several new aircraft, including models from Boeing and Airbus, bringing its total to 419 aircraft. This expansion not only supports the increased passenger and cargo capacity but also facilitates the launch of new routes. One notable addition is the new service to Denver International Airport, inaugurated on June 11, 2024. This service, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, marks the longest flight in Denver Airport’s history, covering approximately 6,130 miles.
The strategic introduction of new routes and the increase in fleet size are pivotal in Turkish Airlines’ efforts to connect more destinations globally and enhance its market presence, particularly in the United States where Denver becomes its 14th destination.
In addition to expanding its operational footprint, Turkish Airlines is in discussions with Boeing to potentially acquire up to 250 new aircraft, including 737 MAXs and 787s. This prospective acquisition underscores the airline’s commitment to modernization and efficiency, aiming to bolster its competitiveness in the global aviation market.