Turkish Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777 Freighter to support its growing cargo division.

“The delivery of our first 777 Freighter is a milestone event in our cargo business,” said İlker Aycı, chairman of the board and the executive committee at Turkish Airlines. “As a prominent sub-brand of Turkish Airlines, Turkish Cargo increased its freighter destinations served from 55 to 73 from the beginning of this year, reaching approximately 1 million tonnes of cargo with a 29% increase. It is surely beyond doubt that this is a remarkable success. We’re sure that this significant delivery, which will bring great value to our rapidly growing cargo operations, will also enable our leading sub-brand to further compete, expand and reach new short- and long-range destinations from our hub in Istanbul.”

Turkish Cargo already operates one Airbus A300-600F, three A310-300Fs, nine A330-200Fs and two 747-400Fs, and now has an additional 777F left on order.

“We are honoured to deliver the 777 Freighter to Turkish Airlines,” said Marty Bentrott, senior vice president of sales in the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia and Africa at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This aircraft’s range capability, combined with its enhanced cargo capacity, makes it a perfect airplane for Turkish Airlines to continue to profitably grow its global cargo service.”

The 777 Freighter is based on the 777-200LR passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles or 9,070 kilometres with a full payload of 102 tonnes, according to Boeing.