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Turkish orders three more B777Fs ahead of cargo expansion
November 30th 2018
Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance carrier, this week announced an order for three additional B777 freighters as the flag carrier continues to soar on record financial results and double-digit passenger and cargo growth. Read More » Turkish Cargo aims to become the world's largest freight carrier.
Based on the 777-200LR, the B777F can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 112 tons (102 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg), resulting in fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower cargo handling costs and shorter delivery times.
“We are excited to expand our efficient cargo fleet with the 777 Freighter. This aircraft has contributed greatly to Turkish Cargo, Turkish Airlines' successful sub brand, becoming the fastest-growing air cargo carrier in the world. The additional aircraft will provide us more flexibility to serve even more destinations as we continue to grow our global freight network,” said Turkish Airlines chairman, İlker Aycı.
The new order comes days after Turkish Airlines posted record profits for the first nine months of 2018 on strong passenger and cargo demand. The carrier's air freight business saw a 25% tonnage increase and a 29% revenue increase compared to the same period a year ago. The results extend the airline's success in recent years as Turkey has become one of the largest and fastest-growing aviation markets, competing with the Middle Eastern and European hubs.
In line with the rapid growth, Turkish Airlines has steadily expanded its current and future fleet. Last January, the carrier announced an order for three B777Fs. Two months later, the state-controlled carrier finalized an order for 25 B787-9 Dreamliners, plus five options, as well as 25 A350-900s, also with five additional options.
The airline is gearing up for expected demand growth following the opening of Istanbul’s third airport, named "Istanbul Airport" by Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. At the opening, IGA CEO, Kadri Samsunlu, said: “Cargo is important. With a cargo capacity of 4.5 million tonnes annually at the new airport, we will very soon be in competition with the likes of Hong Kong.”
“We have the capacity to handle 30 cargo planes at a time. I am sure Turkish Airlines will soon make announcements on that front,” the airport chief added. That announcement now came.
IGA, a Turkish consortium under state control and the third largest asset holder in the country, was awarded the contract for the US$10.5 billion construction of the 25-year operation in 2013.
Over the past few months, Turkish has begun taking delivery of A320neo Family and B737 MAX jets to refresh its single-aisle fleet. The carrier now has more than 330 aircraft, with more than 100 on firm order.
“Turkish Airlines has achieved significant success over the past decade. In addition to introducing innovations that have powered the growth of Turkey's commercial aviation sector and anchored a new state-of-the art airport, the airline is delivering outstanding results and rising in the ranks of elite airlines. We are extremely honored that Turkish Airlines has placed its trust and confidence in Boeing's flagship airplanes: the 737 MAX, the 777 and the 787 Dreamliner,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, Kevin McAllister.
To support the long-term growth of the Turkish aerospace industry and strengthen Boeing's presence in the country, the U.S. OEM launched a strategic partnership program in Turkey last year, called the National Aerospace Initiative, including industrial development, technology acceleration, services collaboration and advanced-skill training.
In line with these goals, Boeing is planning to open an engineering center in Istanbul that would specialize in research and support Turkey's growing aerospace capability. The company also recently expanded its collaboration with Turkish Technic, the maintenance arm of Turkish Airlines.
Under the agreement, Turkish Technic becomes a strategic supplier for Boeing's Global Fleet Care program, providing operators with line maintenance, heavy maintenance, component service and repair for multiple aircraft models. Additionally, Boeing and Turkish Technic will partner to train and certify aircraft technicians. Naturally, the carrier has similar initiatives in place with Airbus.
“We continue to expand our commitment to grow in Turkey, together with Turkey. Our new engineering center and our growing cooperation in so many areas with the Turkish aerospace sector reflect our confidence in the country's capabilities,” said McAllister.
