TURKISH AIRLINES widens the world

THE PHILIPPINES became part of the largest network of flight destinations when Turkish Airlines first flew out of Manila in 2015. This wide-reaching global connectivity has been recognized by a certification from the Guinness World Records. Today the Star Alliance member operates flights to 303 international destinations across six continents, the most than any other airline in the world.

- By Anna Isabel C. Sobrepeña

The domestic reach within the only country that straddles between Asia and Europe reaches 53 points of embarkation.

A decade since that inaugural flight from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the national flag carrier of Türkiye marked its anniversary, with Country Manager Huzeyfe Akhan using the occasion to share the strides from their beginnings in 2003 and the strategic plans leading up to their centennial in 2033.

Ten years after the Republic was declared in October 1923, Turkish Airlines took to the skies with the intent of becoming the most prestigious flag carrier. The strategic plan aimed for growth in capacity, passenger numbers, and destinations. Istanbul’s unique location straddling two continents gave the country a global connectivity advantage. And it grew through the decades.

Then in 2008 came its membership in the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline network.