Turkish Airlines selects A350 XWB, lifting its fleet to new heights

Airbus newest widebody aircraft for leading Turkish carrier

Istanbul-based Turkish Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire 25 A350-900 aircraft plus five options, underlining its strong confidence in the global market-dynamism and growth.

“This significant order will continue to enable our flag carrier to further compete, expand and reach new short and long-range destinations nonstop from our hubs in Istanbul, and Ankara.” said M. İlker Aycı, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee. “As Turkish Airlines, we are committed to offering our passengers on every route the best flying experience possible and we order on that promise as the Airbus’ A350 XWB provide comfort and convenience in spacious cabins, all matched with seamless reliability.”

“We are extremely proud at Airbus to count Turkish Airlines as a new A350 operator, the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft.” said Eric Schulz, Chief Commercial Officer, Airbus'. ”This order strengthens and expands the long-lasting partnership between Airbus, Turkish Airlines and Turkey overall.”

Turkish Airlines currently operates an Airbus fleet of 167 aircraft with a further 92 A321neo on backlog.

Turkey is an integral part of the Airbus supply chain for almost 20 years, being a partner in all Airbus aircraft programmes, including the prestigious A350 XWB.                      

The A350 XWB is an all new family of mid-size wide-body long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel, featuring the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The Airspace cabin which, on top of the aircraft spaciousness and quietness, provides better ambience, design and services, contributing to superior levels of comfort and well-being, and setting new standards in terms of flight experience for passengers in all classes.

At end February 2018, Airbus has recorded a total of 854 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide.