THY int’l passengers exceed those on domestic routes
Posted by meb at March 31st, 2008
Turkish Airlines (THY) President and CEO Temel Kotil has said that in March 2008 its number of international passengers exceeded the number of passengers on domestic routes for the first time.
Kotil stated that in March the average number of passengers every week topped 370,000, further noting that more than 60 percent of total revenue was derived from international flights.
Kotil also underlined that the number of passengers who prefer business class has grown exponentially; in the first three months of 2008, the total number of passengers carried in business class in both domestic and international flights grew by 50 percent.
Recalling that there has been a steady decline in the number of passengers carried by major airlines, which are experiencing low occupancy rates because of global economic stagnation, Kotil stressed that the THY was enjoying remarkable success in such an environment. “In January, February, March and April, there is usually a decline in the number of passengers that fly THY. However, despite the global crises, the occupancy rate of THY flights has exceeded 70 percent. I am excited by this success along with THY’s membership in the Star Alliance. This year we saw occupancy rates similar to those of the high season,” he said.
Kotil, noting that the number of air passengers had increased from 59 million in 2006 to 70 million in 2007 worldwide, said, “Turkey has risen from 15th place to 13th in world standings and may climb even higher in 2008.”
‘We will exceed 23.5 million in 2008’
Asserting that the recent increase in the number of international passengers carried by the THY should be taken as a testament to THY’s shining image in the international arena, Kotil said: “We expect a further increase in the number of transit, international and domestic passengers when we officially become a member of the Star Alliance on April 1. There is already an increase in the number of passengers owing to the Star Alliance membership and we expect a 10 percent increase following official admission into the alliance. We seek to increase the number of total passengers to 23.5 million in 2008.”
‘Great advantage for passengers’
Kotil noted advantages associated with THY’s membership in the Star Alliance and said THY will be included in a large network of airlines as a result. Kotil further said: “THY currently flies to 150 destinations. The alliance will offer a great advantage for passengers who want to fly to destinations THY doesn’t service. Thanks to the alliance, we will connect to a network of 943 destinations. A passenger who purchases a ticket from us will have the opportunity to fly to any of these 943 cities. Depending on local customs regulations, a passenger will complete the flight without having to touch his or her luggage. … This will bring with it comfort and luxury.”
‘The least expensive ticket’
Asserting that business class flights and tourism travel will be less expensive because of the membership in the Star Alliance, Kotil said: “Passengers will be offered the best options in terms of flight comfort. They will be able to purchase the least expensive ticket as well and will be able to arrange the most suitable itinerary online on the Star Alliance’s Web site.” The THY president also noted that the Star Alliance membership will allow passengers to use VIP lounges at airports and to spend their award miles with any of the airlines in the alliance.
source: Today’s Zaman
Related posts: