Turkish carrier builds on Saudi market strength

(MENAFN- Arab News) Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, is further strengthening its position in Saudi Arabia - one of its fastest growing markets. It plans to launch two more Saudi destinations - Abha and Tabuk - "very soon," Osman Hacimahmutoglu, general manager for Turkish Airlines in Jeddah, told Arab News. Turkish Airlines already operates into seven cities in Saudi Arabia. Osman said Turkish Airlines recorded an increase in visitor numbers from Saudi Arabia by 33 percent last year. It currently operates 66 flights a week from seven cities - Madinah, Riyadh, Taif, Jeddah, Dammam, Yanbu and Al-Qassim. Osman, explaining the need to expand the network of flights in Saudi Arabia, said: "Turkish Airlines is the No. 1 airline operating in the Kingdom after Saudi Arabian Airlines." Osman said the increase in Turkish Airlines flight network and capacity across the Kingdom is testament to the robust growth of 71 percent in passenger traffic to Istanbul in the first six months of this year, compared to the same period in 2011. "Ramadan in Istanbul," a popular travel promotion, comprises all the myriad facets of the city, which makes it a must-visit destination for people from Saudi Arabia. "It attracts a large number of Saudi nationals every year to Turkey so we offer special fares to travelers every year. Many Saudi nationals use this as an opportunity to visit Turkey," he said. There is definitely an increase in travelers to Turkey this Ramadan season, he said, adding that the robust growth in passenger numbers across the Kingdom highlights the rising popularity of Turkey as a business and leisure destination and the award winning service of Turkish Airlines, which makes the airline the "popular choice for Jeddah residents." The airline operates 21 weekly flights from Jeddah. The airline's new capacity in Saudi Arabia will also provide a platform for further business developments, he said. Building on Turkey's position as an inspiring destination for Ramadan, guests gained insights into 'Ramadan in Istanbul,' a popular travel promotion highlighting the enriching experiences of the tourism capital of Turkey during the season. Osman said Saudi Arabia and Turkey enjoy "very good" bilateral relations. Turkish Airlines first started flying to Jeddah 33 years ago, in 1979, and since 2010 has almost doubled passenger traffic from the city. Osman ruled out any effect on the passenger traffic from Saudi Arabia to Turkey from recent developments in Turkey. "Absolutely there was no impact on the airline as we continued to operate without any interruption and most of the time flights were fully booked," he said. The most rapidly expanding airline company, Turkish Airlines is continuing to increase its share in the global aviation market. Osman said: "Turkish Airlines is expanding its fleet and will add 117 Airbus airplanes to its fleet. He said Turkish Airlines announced recently that Twenty-five A321, four A320 NEO, fifty-three A321 NEO and options for thirty-five additional A321 NEO are to be delivered by 2015. "With the deal of these new aircraft, the fleet of Turkish Airlines will become 375-strong, including cargo airplanes. And the average fleet age will decrease to 5 from its current figure 6.6 by the end of 2020," Osman said. With investments made in recent years, Turkish Airlines continues to consolidate its position as one of the world's leading airlines. "Turkish Airlines has been chosen Best Airline in Europe and Best Airline in Southern Europe, and awarded Best Business Class Catering in the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards announced at the Paris Air Show. Osman said Turkish Airlines is the member of the Star Alliance network, the "first truly global airline" alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveler. "Turkish Airlines connects passengers to more countries than any other airline, with 237 cities across 103 countries," he added.