The inaugural flight featured a Boeing 777-300ER (brand new aircraft) that departed Istanbul and arrived at Dulles 16:10:01 hours. The aircraft then proceeded to the international area to gate Bravo 37 where the Airport Authorities fire trucks formed a welcoming arch of water. (Photos by William B. Folsom Photography, Inc.)
The event included remarks by Dr. Temel Kotil, CEO and member of the Board, Turkish Airlines; His Excellency Namik Tan, The Turkish Ambassador to the United States; Lynn Hampton, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and U.S. Congressman William Delahunt. The speakers were introduced by Mr. Gunay Evinch, President of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATTA). Dr. Kotil also presented a gift to Ms. Hampton on behalf of the airline.
Non-stop flights are scheduled to depart from Dulles International Airport at 10:55PM to Atatürk Airport in Istanbul four times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday) aboard an Airbus A330.
To celebrate the new route, Turkish Airlines is offering an exceptionally discounted rate on all flights from Washington D.C. to Istanbul purchased on or before December 31, 2010. Round-trip flights are available for $751.00 including all taxes and fees, provided the travel takes place before March 31, 2011. Passengers can book their travel on http://www.thy.com/ , call 1-800-874-8875 or work with their preferred travel agent.
Turkish Airlines’ new route from Washington, D.C. will allow more Americans the opportunity to explore Istanbul, Turkey and beyond. A gateway between east and west, Istanbul offers visitors an unrivaled glimpse into world history, the chance to experience one of Eurasia’s most cosmopolitan destinations and serves as a convenient hub for travel to other cities in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Turkish Airlines currently flies non-stop direct flights from New York and Chicago.
Passengers aboard Turkish Airlines will enjoy the world-renowned catering by Turkish Do&Co, featuring an assortment of international cuisines as well as authentic Turkish dishes. A pioneer in the aviation industry, Turkish Airlines recently won the SkyTrax World Aviation Award, also known as the “Oscar of the Aviation Industry,” for the “World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering.”
Aboard the Airbus A330, both Business Class and Economy Class passengers can expect to enjoy a culinary experience from top cuisines around the world and an extensive inflight entertainment menu complete with individual entertainment systems.
“We are currently one of the world’s fastest growing airlines,” said Mr. Hamdi Topçu, Chairman of Turkish Airlines. “The Washington D.C. gateway is of great importance to our airline as we continue to expand the number of destinations we serve across the U.S., while delivering unparalleled service to our passengers across the globe.”
A member of the Star Alliance network since April 1, 2008, Turkish Airlines continues to maintain its dedication to becoming a global leader in the airline industry. Thefourth biggest network carrier in Europe, Turkish Airlines currently flies to 167 destinations, including 128 international and 39 domestic lines. Established in 1933, Turkish Airlines is known for its impeccable service, flight safety and connectivity worldwide.
“This new direct route from Washington is yet another symbol of the strong relationship between the United States and Turkey, encompassing strategic cooperation on trade, investment, tourism, and much more,” said His Excellency Namik Tan, Turkey’s Ambassador to the United States. He went on to say that Turkish Airlines, Turkey’s flag carrier, has been instrumental in attracting tourism to Turkey from across the globe.
Turkish Airlines’ U.S. expansion will continue with the launch of its fourth gateway and direct route from Los Angeles’ LAX Airport to Atatürk Airport in Istanbul in March 2011
