Dear readers,
As Turkish Airlines (THY) approaches its 100th anniversary, it is carrying out the most comprehensive fleet expansion and modernisation programme in its history. The company aims to reach a fleet of 600 aircraft by the end of 2026, a plan that forms the foundation of its long-term strategy to reach 813 aircraft by 2033.
Fleet Growth: Balance Between Narrow- and Wide-Body Aircraft
THY’s fleet strategy is based on maintaining a balanced composition of both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. Within the framework of its ongoing discussions with Boeing, orders for 75 Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners, along with 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, are on the agenda.
The finalisation of these plans depends on agreements to be made with engine suppliers. This once again highlights the impact of production and maintenance capacity limitations in the global supply chain on the aviation sector.
With these new orders, THY aims to reduce the average fleet age to below nine years, increase fuel efficiency, and lower carbon emissions.
New Routes: Expanding Reach Across Five Continents
In 2026, THY plans to significantly expand both its fleet and flight network. The airline’s route map, already covering more than 120 countries, will deepen further with the addition of new destinations.
According to new flight schedules:
- The Istanbul–London Stansted route will launch on 18 March 2026 with 10 weekly flights, increasing to 14 flights per week from 29 March.
- The Sydney–Istanbul direct route will commence operations in the last quarter of 2026, saving approximately five hours compared to the current Kuala Lumpur stopover.
- Miami–Istanbul flights will begin on 12 May 2026 with three weekly services.
- Montreal–Istanbul and Washington Dulles–Istanbul flights will start on 29 March 2026 with three and four weekly services, respectively.
- The Singapore–Istanbul route will become a daily service from 2 March 2026.
- The Taipei–Istanbul route will start with three weekly flights and increase to five from 8 May.
In addition, new markets such as Australia, Cambodia, and Guinea-Bissau will be incorporated into THY’s network. This expansion will strengthen Istanbul’s position as a global transfer hub while increasing traffic share particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Americas regions.
Fleet Modernisation: Transformation Focused on Efficiency and Sustainability
THY plans for 90% of its fleet to consist of new-generation aircraft by 2033, and the entire fleet by 2035. One of the most significant steps in this vision is the order of 15 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Set for delivery in 2026, these aircraft will raise the airline’s efficiency standards on long-haul routes.
With next-generation aircraft, THY aims to achieve a 15–20% reduction in fuel consumption and a similar decrease in carbon emissions. This transformation not only reduces operational costs but also supports an environmental strategy aligned with ICAO’s CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) standards.
Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening the Global Network
In parallel with its fleet investments, THY is expanding its international partnerships. The memorandum of understanding signed with Bahrain-based Gulf Air covers areas such as code-sharing, ground services, and maintenance collaboration. This agreement is considered a strategic step towards increasing THY’s connectivity capacity in the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, the investment in Air Europa aims to create a strong link between Europe and Latin America. This move will contribute to THY’s efforts to gain depth and synergy advantages within the Europe-based competitive landscape.
Data-Driven Growth
Turkish Airlines defines the 2026–2033 period not only as one of fleet expansion but also as a growth process based on efficiency, sustainability, and digitalisation.
Currently operating with 506 aircraft, THY is expected to achieve around 25% capacity growth when it reaches its 600-aircraft target by the end of 2026. This growth also requires a proportional expansion of support infrastructures such as technical maintenance, supply, pilot training capacity, and digital operations centres.
Wishing all aviators — from pilots to ground staff — a safe and peaceful week
