en.Wedoany.com Reported - Turkish Airlines plans to launch direct flights from Istanbul to Sydney next year using specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, which will become the airline's longest route. The airline's Chairman, Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker, revealed this plan at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

The Istanbul-Sydney route spans nearly 9,300 miles, with a flight time of approximately 19 hours. The airline already operates the smaller A350-900 model and ordered 15 of the larger -1000 variant in 2023, eight of which will be ULR (Ultra Long Range) versions. Şeker stated that operating this route presents commercial challenges, but the airline's ambition remains unchanged. The economics of the aircraft on long-haul flights, including passenger and cargo capacity, require further negotiation with Airbus. Certification work for increasing the aircraft's Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) is ongoing, which directly impacts the route launch timeline.

The first A350-1000ULR is expected to be delivered in July next year, with the third arriving by the end of 2027. The airline plans to launch the Istanbul-Sydney route by the end of next year after certification. This ULR variant will feature 66 business class suites, compared to 48 suites on the non-ULR version. The airline's subsidiary, TCI Aircraft Interiors, is developing a proprietary business class seat, and the new suites will be equipped with doors to provide a fully private experience. This product is expected to be installed on all future widebody aircraft from 2028 and used to retrofit older Boeing 777-300ERs.

With the delivery of new aircraft, Turkish Airlines is actively eyeing expansion in the U.S. market, including increasing flight frequencies to existing destinations such as Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago, and considering launching routes to new cities like Orlando, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia. The airline has revised its catering services earlier this year and introduced a new cabin program for crew members, aiming to enhance the passenger experience, which has already led to an improvement in Net Promoter Score (NPS).

Meanwhile, the airline will also focus on improving lounge experiences, onboard WiFi, and continued growth in Istanbul before the new aircraft deliveries.

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