Turkish Airlines

Brief Introduction

Turkish Airlines was initially founded on May 20, 1933 with the name 'State Airlines Administration'. In the same year, with five 28-seat planes, it started operation on its first route between Ankara, the capital of Turkey, and Ekisehir. In the following years, it had developed so rapidly that up to 1945 it had grown into the largest air carrier in the Middle East. The operation of Ankara-Istanbul-Athens route in 1947 symbolized its entrance into the international market. On March 1, 1956, State Airlines Administration was restructured and renamed Turkish Airlines, which marked its official establishment. In the 1990s, Turkish Airlines was privatized and merged with Turkish Air Transportation, which promised Turkish Airlines a brighter future.

Now, Turkish Airlines reaches over 110 destinations in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. As of June 2007, the Turkish Airlines fleet includes 44 Airbuses and 54 Boeings. 59 new planes have been ordered and will be put into use in the near future.

On May 20, 1999, an A340 plane landed at Beijing Capital International Airport. It was the first flight operated by Turkish Airlines to China. At the beginning of the next year, this route was extended to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Now, its flight can also reach Hong Kong.

Flights to/from China

1. Shanghai - Beijing - Istanbul
2. Hong Kong - Istanbul

Useful Numbers

1. Beijing Office
Tel: (+86)10 64651867 Ext.12/13/14
Fax: (+86)10 64651865 (Weekdays only, 09:00 - 18:00)

2. Shanghai Office
Tel: (+86)21 32220022/62798392
Fax: (+86)21 32220021 (Weekdays only, 09:00 - 18:00)

3. Hong Kong Office
Tel: (+852)22610388
Fax: (+852)22610322 (Monday - Wednesday May 5, 2008d Sunday: 11:30 - 23:30; Friday: Closed.)

4. 24-hour Reservation
Tel: (+90)212 4440849

5. Turkish Airlines General Management
Tel: (+90)212 4636363
Fax: (+90)212 4652121

Official Website: www.thy.com