Turkish Airlines (THY) is planning a strategic route to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, with a stopover in Singapore. Expected to begin in 2025, this new route will bolster THY’s global expansion strategy.
Strategic Expansion to New Zealand
As part of its international network growth, Turkish Airlines is evaluating flights to Auckland (AKL). Chief Commercial Officer Ahmet Olmuştur confirmed preliminary discussions, noting that operations are unlikely to start before 2025.
Following the recent launch of Istanbul-Sydney flights, the Auckland route will be THY’s second connection in Oceania, further strengthening its global network of 351 destinations.
Why Auckland?
The proposed Istanbul-Auckland route will include a stop in Singapore (SIN), enabling THY to overcome operational challenges and capitalize on the transit passenger market.
- Distance between Istanbul and Auckland: 10,606 miles (17,068 kilometers)
- Flight duration (via Singapore): Approximately 20 hours plus layover time
- Aircraft for the route: Long-haul wide-body planes such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777
Although the Turkish population in New Zealand is relatively small, the route holds significant potential for tourism and transit traffic. Istanbul’s emergence as Europe’s fastest-growing hub post-pandemic adds to this potential.
Turkish Airlines’ Global Growth Strategy
In 2024, Turkish Airlines demonstrated robust financial and operational performance:
- Net profit in the first nine months of 2024: $2.7 billion
- Passenger numbers (January-October): 72.2 million (1.3% annual growth)
- Revenue growth: 7.8% increase to $17.01 billion
CEO Bilal Ekşi highlighted that despite regional geopolitical challenges, strategic route management has fueled sustained growth. The expansion to Oceania, starting with Sydney flights, is a critical component of THY’s 10% growth target.
Future of New Zealand Routes
Turkish Airlines’ focus on Auckland for New Zealand operations includes plans for Singapore stopovers. This approach could foster partnerships with local carriers such as Air New Zealand (NZ).
Ahmet Olmuştur noted that THY continues to explore growth opportunities in other strategic markets, including China.
The Strength of THY’s Wide-Body Fleet
Turkish Airlines has diversified its long-haul wide-body fleet to enhance operational flexibility.
- Aircraft available for the route:
- Airbus A350-900
- Boeing 777
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
However, Airbus A320 engine issues have grounded 35 aircraft, temporarily affecting operational flexibility. CEO Bilal Ekşi stated that while compensation has been secured, challenges persist.
The Importance of the Auckland Route for THY
The Istanbul-Auckland route will support Turkish Airlines’ global leadership ambitions and strengthen connections between Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
If launched by 2025, the route will:
- Position Istanbul as a central hub for transit passengers from Europe and Asia.
- Enhance tourism and trade potential with New Zealand.
- Further expand THY’s global destination network.
© AeroHaber.com
Aviation News and Defense Industry news published on our website cannot be used without proper attribution.
