Turkish Airlines strengthens focus on fast-growing Middle East market with new campaigns showcased at Arabian Travel Market

Dubai, UAE; May 6, 2013: Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey and Europe’s best airline*, is further strengthening its focus on the Middle East market, one of the airline’s fastest growing markets, having recorded a whopping 49 percent growth in passenger traffic in the past two years, and almost 1 million additional passengers from the Middle East in 2012 compared to 2011.

In addition to highlighting its differential as the world’s largest country network, Turkish Airlines is showcasing its newest campaigns, especially appealing for Middle East visitors, at the Arabian Travel Market, the region’s largest travel and tourism exhibition, to be held from May 6 to 9, 2013, at the Dubai International Convention Centre.

Connecting 223 destinations across 99 countries, Turkish Airlines will present at its largest presence at the ATM, to date, a showcase of award winning services including the newly launched ‘Turkish Corporate Club,’ ‘Miles & Smiles’ loyalty programme and ‘Touristanbul,’ a free tour of the famed city for beyond destination stop overs.

Building on its credentials as one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Turkish Airlines now operates from 32 destinations in the Middle East, with Aqaba Jordan recently added, and almost 1 million additional passengers travelled with the global airline last year, a 29 percent increase compared to 2011, taking advantage of the network that provides access to more countries than any other airline.

The rising popularity of Turkey as a holiday destination for GCC tourists is also propelling the airline’s growth; tourism numbers increased by over 370 percent from the UAE comparing August 2011 to August 2012 figures. *Mark To showcase new tourism campaigns the airline will also be present on the ‘Turkish Culture & Information Office,’ stand EU8220, with showcases for the 2013 ‘Istanbul Shopping Fest’ and ‘Ramadan in Istanbul.’

Turkish Airlines President and CEO, Temel Kotil, Ph.D said: “The Middle East is the fastest growing market for Turkish Airlines across the global network, with increased passenger demand spearheading new frequencies and destinations as part of planned global expansion. In fact in the first three months of this year we have already recorded a 29 percent increase in passenger traffic from the Middle East.”

He added: “Our robust growth is also evidence of the continual support from Turkish Airlines travel partners and tourism and aviation industries across the region. This year we have held appreciation ceremonies to honour their contribution, which have so far been held in Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, with many others to follow.”

“As Turkey’s national carrier, we are thrilled at the rising popularity of Turkey as a tourism destination, the diverse all year round offering of beautiful natural scenery, historical marvels, stunning coastlines and exhilarating adventures, all less than 5 hours away from most countries in the Gulf region. The county boasts a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences and attraction for GCC tourists is highlighted by cultural linkages with the Middle East.”

In response to increased demand and as part of planned expansion, Turkish Airlines has launched new frequencies in the region from several destinations, including Kuwait where flights have increased to 35 frequencies per week and Abu Dhabi where two new weekly flights are now in operation.

The growth figures are high above regional averages, with a 49 percent increase in passenger traffic across the Middle East in the last two years, and regional increases as much as 67 percent in Kuwait in 2012, compared to 2011, and over the same period a 41 percent increase from Saudi Arabia and 36 percent increase from Abu Dhabi.

The airline continues to make global headlines with the recent deal signed with Airbus for an additional 117 aircraft and the brand continues to reward fans as part of global sponsorship campaigns for FC Barcelona, and sporting legends Kobe Bryant and Leo Messi. An agreement has also just been signed with Borussia Dortmund, champion in both the 2010 and 2011 seasons German football.

Turkish Airlines is exhibiting on stand EU8350 at ATM. For further information and to view flight schedules and other details, please visit www.TurkishAirlines.com. (www.thy.com)