Turkish Airlines, Turkey’s national flag carrier, was founded in Ankara on 20 May 1933 as “State Airlines Administration,” under the direction of the Ministry of Defence. In 1956, it was restructured into “Turkish Airlines.” 25% of the company was sold via an SPO under a privatisation programme in 2005, and today 50.9% of the company shares are public, while the rest remain state-owned. In 2010, TurkishAirlines reached 131 international flights and 41 domestic flights.

Turkish Airlines as Turkey’s rising star started its journey 77 years ago with 5 airplanes and today the same passion and enthusiasm manifests itself with 155 airplanes (passenger and cargo). On the 77th year of anniversary, THY has the youngest fleet in Europe and the new coming airplanes in the following two years, both the fleet age will decrease and service quality will be strengthened.

The prevailing vision since 2003 is still decisive, and despite the globally destructive effects of the economic crises, the already established investments now are paying back, and both in terms of number of passengers and profitability, as well as increasing the web of flight nodes, THY is growing progressively.

Not only in terms of profitability and institutional growth, but also THY is experiencing significant progress in terms of service quality. The Skytrax evaluation results, which is considered as the Oscar of the aviation sector, THY’s progress in 2009 and 2010 are both extraordinary. In 2009, THY is chosen as the best airline of the Southern Europe, the same award has been received in 2010 as well. Moreover, THY is also chosen as the third best airline in Europe. The treats organized by Turkish Do&Co to the economy class passengers are chosen as the best in the world.

Similarly, along with the supervision of Skytrax, THY received 4 star in all of the categories of supervision and sustained her unique status in Europe in this regard. Whereas, for the First Class, the quality of products and services progressed and reached 4.5 star, getting closer to the 5 star target. Turkish Airlines has been official sponsor of the Barcelona FC since December 2009, Manchester United FC since March 2010 and Euroleague since October 2010.

Turkish Airlines continues to offer more services and destinations to its passengers by joining the Star Alliance team.