Turkey’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines will add four weekly flights from Singapore to Istanbul in response to a “remarkable uptick in demand” to visit the destination that straddles Europe and Asia.
The service boost will be rolled out in phases, with two extra weekly flights starting from August 12 and two more to come September 13. This translates to a 27.7 per cent increase in seat capacity for passengers flying the Singapore route each week – and 9,492 seats in total across its eventual 14 weekly flights from Singapore’s Changi Airport.
Addressing the media on July 19’s evening, Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and the executive committee, Ahmet Bolat, said: “Singapore has always been a special place for Turkish Airlines, being the very first destination in the Far East for the company since 1986.”
Later, during his welcome speech to trade partners attending the airline’s gala dinner to celebrate its connection with Singapore and the world, Ahmet expressed confidence that Singapore arrivals to Turkey are expected to break records this year, following years of increasing numbers.
“(However,) we believe there is much to be done in the field of culture and tourism. As the flag carrier of Turkey, we are committed to doing our part to strengthen these ties. Regarding Singapore a key market in the Far East, we consider it our duty to invite the friendly people of Singapore to Turkey, famous for numerous cultural and historic sites, as well as several other areas of tourism,” he said.
He told TTG Asia that many Singapore travellers favour Turkish Airlines’ extensive international network for connecting flights onward to other parts of the world, and he intends to convert more of such customers into point-to-point travellers who will spend time appreciating Turkey’s multitude of attractions.
One way to start is through the airline’s ongoing Touristanbul stopover programme, which invites customers on international flights connecting through İstanbul with a layover between six and 24 hours to join one of eight free city tours. Airport transfers are provided, and tour times are carefully arranged and planned.
