Turkish Airlines CEO Ahmet Olmuştur unveiled the company’s 2033 vision in his first comprehensive interview. THY aims to expand its fleet to 800 aircraft, increase its revenue to USD 50 billion, introduce a premium economy class, and launch nonstop flights to Australia.
Turkish Airlines (THY) CEO Ahmet Olmuştur shared the company’s long-term growth strategy in his first interview with Forbes business magazine. Speaking on topics ranging from fleet expansion and new cabin concepts to new destinations and global operational planning, Olmuştur stated that THY aims to become one of the world’s strongest airlines by 2033.
THY Targets an 800-Aircraft Fleet and USD 50 Billion in Revenue
Ahmet Olmuştur announced that the company plans to expand its fleet to 800 aircraft as part of its 2033 vision. He stated that total revenue, including subsidiaries, is targeted to reach USD 50 billion, emphasizing that growth will continue in terms of both capacity and revenue.
Olmuştur said that a total of 420 new aircraft, excluding leased aircraft, are planned to join the fleet between 2026 and 2036. He added that 10 new aircraft will be delivered in 2026 and 28 in 2027. The first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft are expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2027.
Premium Economy Class Planned for 2028
Olmuştur also shared important information about THY’s long-anticipated premium economy cabin, stating that the concept will be evaluated for wide-body aircraft starting in 2028.
According to market research, approximately two-thirds of passengers on long-haul flights are willing to pay extra for greater comfort and additional legroom. Olmuştur noted that this demand supports investment in new cabin products.
Crystal Business Class Suite Detailed for the First Time
Olmuştur also shared details about THY’s new Crystal Business Class Suite concept.
The new-generation business class suites will feature a fully closing door, an electronic privacy panel, a marble-look side table, and a wireless charging unit. The new cabins will first be introduced on Airbus A350 aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2027 and on the modernized Boeing 777 fleet.
Developments in the Middle East Affected Operations
Olmuştur stated that airspace restrictions and rising fuel costs resulting from conflicts in the Middle East have created significant challenges for the aviation industry, adding that THY has reduced its flight frequencies in the region by approximately 30 percent.
He emphasized that the company has maintained flexible capacity management, explaining that part of its capacity from the Americas has been redirected to the Far East, while capacity on Central and South Asian routes has been increased by 9 percent during the summer season.
The United States and China Stand Out as New Growth Markets
THY’s short-term network expansion plans include Chengdu in China and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Orlando, and Philadelphia in the United States.
Olmuştur also stated that, following negotiations with Canada, weekly traffic rights have been increased from 12 to 21, indicating that growth in the North American market will continue.
Nonstop Istanbul–Australia Flights Are Targeted
THY also plans to expand its operations in Australia, which has become an increasingly important market for the airline in recent years.
Recalling that flights to Melbourne began in March 2024 and flights to Sydney in November 2024, Olmuştur announced that, with the addition of Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to the fleet in 2027, THY aims to launch nonstop flights from Istanbul to Australia starting in 2028.
Strengthening Its Leading Position in Africa
Today, Turkish Airlines operates flights to 65 destinations across 41 countries in Africa.
Olmuştur stated that THY is the leading network carrier in the Europe–Africa market with an 8.2 percent market share in seat capacity. He added that 63 percent of the airline’s African operations are carried out with the Boeing 737 fleet, while 18 destinations are served exclusively by Boeing 737 aircraft.
Investments in Passenger Experience Continue
Olmuştur stated that investments aimed at improving the passenger experience will continue, noting that a new lounge opened in Edinburgh last year and that planning is ongoing for a new Turkish Airlines lounge at New York JFK Airport Terminal 1.
He also said that the Stopover Istanbul and Touristanbul programs will continue to expand, emphasizing that THY will maintain its investments to further strengthen the global passenger experience.
