Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board, Ahmet Bolat, announced that they hosted Shinichi Inoue, the President and CEO of All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline and a Star Alliance member, along with his team at the General Management Building. The meeting focused on aviation cooperation between the two countries, direct flights between Istanbul and Tokyo, and the historical ties of friendship.
A Deep-Rooted Friendship Between Turkey and Japan
Turkish Airlines has a 36-year aviation history with Japan. However, the relationship between the two countries dates back much further. The sinking of the Ertuğrul Frigate off the coast of Kushimoto on its return journey from Japan in 1890, after being sent by Sultan Abdulhamid II, is considered one of the cornerstones of Turkish-Japanese friendship.
Last year, the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Japan was celebrated, and significant steps were taken to strengthen this bond.
ANA Launches Direct Flights to Istanbul
ANA has further strengthened air connectivity between the two countries by launching direct flights between Tokyo and Istanbul.
Under the codeshare agreement established between Turkish Airlines and ANA in 2008, passengers have access to more flight options.
Praise for Turkish Airlines from ANA’s President
ANA President Shinichi Inoue praised the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Narita Airport, describing it as spacious, comfortable, and well-designed, with particular appreciation for the high-quality catering services.
Turkish Airlines’ 1985 Rescue Operation Remembered
During the meeting, Turkish Airlines’ historic evacuation operation in 1985 was also discussed. On March 19, 1985, a Turkish Airlines flight from İzmir successfully evacuated 215 Japanese citizens stranded in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War and brought them safely to Istanbul.
At that time, Shinichi Inoue was an executive at Mitsubishi in Tokyo, waiting anxiously. He recalled how relieved they were after Turkish Airlines’ successful operation and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Japanese people once again.
Strengthening the Istanbul-Tokyo Air Bridge
ANA’s launch of Istanbul flights has increased interest in Turkey while offering Japanese tourists new travel opportunities. Additionally, it will further strengthen commercial, cultural, and tourism ties between the two nations.
Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat thanked ANA President Shinichi Inoue and his team for their kind visit, emphasizing that efforts will continue to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
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