Bilal Akshi, general manager of Turkish Airlines, said the opening of the new Istanbul airport would increase competition between airlines and the number of flights, which would result in a relative drop in ticket prices.
Akshi said Turkish airlines would have 14 aircraft by the end of this year and 41 more next year, “so our growth rates will exceed 10 percent.”
Bilal Akshi, director general of Turkish Airlines, said the opening of the new Istanbul airport would increase competition between airlines and the number of flights, which would lead to a relative drop in ticket prices. Akashi told the Anatolian correspondent that Turkey’s growth rate has exceeded 10 percent since 2003 and that the new Istanbul airport will boost Turkey’s air transport capabilities and boost growth figures. Akshi said Turkish airlines would have 14 aircraft by the end of this year and 41 more next year, “so our growth rates will exceed 10 percent.” (Berk Özkan – Anatolia Agency)
Akashi told the Anatolian correspondent that Turkey’s growth rate has exceeded 10 percent since 2003 and that the new Istanbul airport will boost Turkey’s air transport capabilities and boost growth figures.
He pointed out that the aircraft, which will enter service this year within the framework of the strategic objectives of Turkey for the year 2023 will be “the same body tight,” while the aircraft will receive the type of “wide body” and the introduction of service next year.
Akshi pointed out that the air transport sector will witness a remarkable recovery with the new Istanbul airport entering service later this year, stressing that the prices of airline tickets will decrease relatively as the capacity of the air transport sector increased and competition and the number of flights.
Akshi pointed out that Turkish Airlines offered low prices for its tickets, noting that 40% of the internal tickets sold for less than 100 Turkish liras ($ 17), due to purchase early.
He pointed out that these internal ticket prices range between 49 to 352 Turkish lira, and Turkish Airlines is working hard to offer tickets at affordable prices both locally and internationally.
“The price of the ticket will be determined based on the price policies of other airlines that organize flights to Istanbul’s new airport.
He explained that it is not possible to say that prices are falling today because prices are determined by the intensity of demand and competition;
Akshi pointed out that the first internal flight from the new Istanbul airport will be to the capital Ankara, and will be the first two trips to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan.
He noted that senior state officials will be with the passengers on the first three flights, in addition to the participation of he and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Airlines “Ilker Aiji.”
Akshi revealed the establishment of Turkish Airlines, a company through which to expand its investments and consolidate its position in aviation.
On the developments of the new airport in Istanbul, the largest in the world, Akshi said that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan carried out the first official flight to the airport on 21 June last, and is scheduled to enter the first part of the service as of 29 October Next.
He confirmed that the Turkish Airlines will begin its transfer from Ataturk airport to the new airport as of 02:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on October 31 and is expected to take 12 hours.
At 14:00 local time (11:00 GMT) on October 31, the first Turkish Airlines flight will depart from Istanbul’s third airport, according to Akshi.
Akashi said Turkish Airlines last year posted record profits of more than $ 1 billion, citing an increase of 17 per cent in the first half of this year and 30 per cent in freight volume.