Turkish Airlines is further expanding its reach as it announced the addition of a Melbourne, Australia, service to its flight network.
The national flag carrier of Turkey has reached 345 destinations across 129 countries spread across five continents. The addition of Australia will expand the airline's network to six continents.
"Turkish Airlines, which consistently expands its unique flight network as one of the most significant cornerstones of its growth strategy, is strengthening this performance by adding Australia, a destination of considerable interest and long on its agenda, to its flight network," the carrier said in an announcement.
Turkish Airlines will schedule three flights a week to Melbourne, its 346th destination in 130 countries, starting from March 15, 2024.
Aside from boosting passenger volumes, the additional destination will see Turkish Airlines expand its cargo reach.
"With the flights relayed via Singapore, Turkish Airlines will also have the distinction of being the only European airline to currently operate flights to Melbourne Airport," the carrier said.
"Today is an important day for us. We have realized our goal of reaching the continent of Australia, which we have been successfully working on for a while, with the confirmed flight date. We have a significant global value that distinguishes us from our competitors as we are the airline that flies to more countries than any other in the world," said Prof. Dr Ahmet Bolat, chairman of the board and the executive committee at Turkish Airlines.
"Maintaining this valuable mission is a very strong motivation that drives us to work harder, more devotedly, and with more enthusiasm. With this motivation, we are excited to add Melbourne as our 346th destination to our flight network."
"In the coming years, we plan to strengthen our presence in this beautiful country by increasing both the frequency of our flights and the number of our destinations. Also, as we bring the Turkish and Australian people closer and strengthen the bonds between our countries, we aim to increase bilateral tourism, trade, and business opportunities," Bolat added.
The new route will connect Türkiye with Australia's largest Turkish community and one of the largest trading centres of Victoria, the fastest-growing state of the country.
Additionally, Turkish Airlines' new flights will increase Melbourne's access to the European, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and African markets via İstanbul, contributing to tourism, international education, business, and trade potential.
Turkish Airlines said it aims to organize direct flights to Melbourne and other potential cities in the country in the next few years by acquiring new aircraft capable of operating non-stop flights between Istanbul and Melbourne.