Increased Growth, More Profits and Blue Flying Skies Ahead for Turkish Airlines
While recent years have been good, Turkish Airlines has had its share of difficulties. Just last year, in 2010, annual gross revenue topped 4 billion dollars, US. However, the airline suffered through several decades of poor reputation, especially in the 70s and 80s, as multiple problems plagued the company, from poor customer service through to delayed flights.
The airline was also trouble with seven accidents reported between the years of 1974 and 1983, along with multiple other serious problems. The fate of Turkish Airlines took a turn for the better beginning in the latter half of the 1980s largely thanks to influence from the highest levels of government. In fact, the turn of the century saw a rise in fortunes for Turkish Airlines that heralded a decade of blue sky flying.
There seems to be an increase in passenger flow especially among expatriates. Once they pick good long distance moving company to relocate, then their next move is to estimate moving costs, and select Turkish Airlines as their carrier of choice.
October of 2010 saw the announcement that Turkish Airlines will continue to expand their reach during 2011. Quite naturally, for an airline that is growing so rapidly, this is fantastic news. The Turkish Ministry of Transport says that 11 new destinations would originate as of this year. There will be four flights a week to Shiraz, Iran starting in the middle of March. Beginning in March, there will 4 weekly flight going to Los Angeles, California. This is good news if you are going to the west cost of the US. Turkish Airlines will also be going to the countries of China, Greece, Spain, France and 3 other locations in Italy. Turkish Airlines signed a curious marketing partnership with Caroline Wozniacki, the world’s number one women’s tennis player in late 2010.
This level of brand recognition is a strong effort by the airline to be viewed seriously on an international level. Miss Wozniacki is specifically set to represent the airlines Business Class Service. As spokesperson for the airlines, the number one ranking women’s tennis player is expected to appeal to European tennis fans. The airline has signed her for a three year contract that includes appearances in public relations events and commercials.
Switching to better classes as frequently as possible is the ultimate objective of the rewards program offered by Turkish Airlines. Their customers also benefit greatly from this. The members of the Miles & Smiles program have the option of changing their Economy, Comfort and Business class tickets to a higher level. The upgrades can be applied to Comfort Class, Business Class or First Class. Of course each upgrade will include accruing applicable miles for the program. Both US coasts appear to be serviced by Turkish Airlines. That offers new possibilities for travel and easily makes new destinations available. Turkish Airlines has routes to Washington DC and Los Angeles, both important international travel centers, with a number of flights scheduled every week to and from these airports.