Turkish Airlines experienced a significant growth of 23.5% in passenger count in 2023
The airline has shown exceptional performance in almost every area including social responsibility and humanitarian efforts
Dubai, Turkey's national flag carrier, proudly announces its exceptional achievements in 2023, marking another milestone in its illustrious history. Despite the challenging global geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainties, Turkish Airlines surpassed expectations by delivering outstanding results across various metrics.
Turkish airline's achievements in 2023
In 2023, Turkish Airlines soared to new heights by carrying a record-breaking 83.4 million passengers, a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to excellence and resilience. This remarkable feat was made possible through strategic initiatives aimed at outpacing industry peers, including faster capacity increases, leveraging agility, and maintaining a highly qualified workforce amidst the pandemic.
Record-breaking passenger numbers
The company's domestic passenger capacity increased by 23.5% compared to 2022, surpassing 30 million. Internationally, Turkish Airlines continued its upward trajectory with a 16% capacity rise, carrying 53 million passengers, a remarkable 14% increase from the previous year. Of particular note is the significant growth in European countries with substantial Turkish populations, where the number of passengers surged by more than 20% year-over-year, underscoring Turkish Airlines' strong connection with its diaspora.
Strategic initiatives and resilience
In a year when global international airline capacity lagged behind 2019 figures, Turkish Airlines exceeded its 2019 international capacity by an impressive 27%, setting itself apart as an industry leader.
Istanbul airport emerges as leading European airport
Istanbul Airport contributed to this success, emerging as the leading European airport in daily flight frequency, a testament to Turkey's investments in aviation infrastructure.
Turkish cargo continues to excel
In addition to its passenger services, Turkish cargo continued to excel, increasing its freight ton kilometres by 16% compared to 2019. With a fleet of 24 freighters and 416 passenger aircraft, Turkish cargo tripled its market share in the air freight market over the past decade, ranking fourth among the world's top air cargo carriers, according to IATA's 2023 data.
Ambitious expansion model
Turkish Airlines remains committed to its ambitious 100th Anniversary Strategy, aiming to expand its fleet to 800 aircraft by 2033. Despite global challenges in aircraft procurement and production bottlenecks, the company increased its fleet by 12% to 440 aircraft in 2023.
Social responsibility and humanitarian efforts
Beyond its commercial success, Turkish Airlines demonstrated its unwavering commitment to social responsibility by actively supporting relief efforts following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes, the country's largest and most devastating natural disaster. The airline conducted humanitarian passenger and cargo flights free of charge, in addition to significant financial contributions and support for reconstruction efforts.
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— Turkish Airlines (@TurkishAirlines) March 30, 2024
We care about waste management and work with all our might to minimize our impact on the environment. Happy International Day of Zero Waste!#TurkishAirlines #Sustainability #TomorrowOnBoard pic.twitter.com/PiTiBc3Imk
Widespread recognition and awards
Turkish Airlines' exceptional performance in 2023 garnered widespread recognition from leading aviation industry institutions. The company was honoured with the prestigious "Five-Star Global Airline" award by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), the "Europe's Best Airline" award by Skytrax for the eighth time, and the "Most Sustainable Flag Carrier Airline" award by World Finance for the second time.
Significant Increase in employment opportunities
Employing over 83,000 people with subsidiaries, Turkish Airlines proudly represents Turkey on the global stage, setting industry standards with its expansive flight network, modern fleet, and superior service. The achievements of 2023 underscore the company's unwavering dedication to excellence and sustainable growth, aligning with national development objectives and the strategic vision for 2033.