Turkish Airlines officially launched flights from Istanbul to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), its 10th US gateway.
The first flight took off from Istanbul Airport (IST) on May 21, 2021, at 6:43 p.m. and arrived to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) at 9:53 p.m., where arriving passengers were greeted with world-famous, Turkish baklava, a white tulip (a symbol and national flower of Turkey) and a red rose (to honor the Garden State).
Departing passengers also received baklava and flowers for the first Turkish Airlines flight that departed from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), flight TK30, right after midnight on May 22, 2021, at 12:19 a.m.
On the new gateway, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, M. İlker Aycı stated: “We are pleased to expand our presence in North America with the opening of our 10th US gateway and look forward to welcoming travelers aboard this new route to experience our world-class service, award-winning cuisine and world-famous Turkish hospitality. Throughout the past year, we’ve continued to make health and safety a top priority for our passengers and employees, as well as maintaining a strong commitment to keeping the world connected through difficult times, and because of that, we have continued to thrive as a successful airline.”
For the full 2020 calendar year, Turkish Airlines flew 28 million passengers, with an impressive load factor of 71%, and was able to maintain their robust route network to provide vital connectivity during uncertain times. Turkish Airlines closed the year as the busiest network carrier in Europe in terms of flight numbers, as well as one of the top five airlines in the world. According to Eurocontrol, as of May 5, 2021, despite suspending flights to certain destinations, Turkish Airlines was ranked the busiest airline operating an average of 493 flights per day to 208 destinations worldwide.
In addition, Istanbul Airport, even with 68% traffic lost, outperformed its competitors and was Europe’s most successful airport in December 2020; a result buoyed by Turkish Airlines’ performance. From April 15-21, 2021, Istanbul Airport was also ranked the busiest airport with 567 departing/arriving flights.
Premium onboard dining, including hot meals and beverage services, which were previously restricted due to the pandemic, were recently resumed for all Business and Economy Class flights longer than 2 hours and 15 minutes. Versace amenity kits and active noise canceling Denon headphones are also available for international Business Class flights.
While new flight routes and onboard services are being re-instated, health and safety continues to be the airline’s utmost priority. Turkish Airlines was awarded the highest “Diamond” level status by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) Health Safety, powered by SimpliFlying, for the airline’s continued efforts in ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation, which was deemed worthy of less than 10 airlines. In June 2020, Turkish Airlines announced ‘Guidelines for Safe Travel,’ as well as two new in-flight health protocols: “Hygiene Kits” containing a face mask, disinfectant and antiseptic tissue, as well as “Hygiene Expert” cabin crews appointed to flights to enforce all on-board hygiene and social distancing measures. Additionally, the carrier created a new animated safety video, Turkish Airlines Extra Care program featuring the airline’s global ambassador Dr. Oz, bringing viewers through the travel experience passengers should expect when flying with the global airline today.
