Turkish Airlines (THY)

Turkish Airlines Joint Stock Company (THY A.O.) is an airline operator established under the activities of civil aviation in Türkiye, engaged in passenger and cargo transportation. The company operates within a corporate structure that encompasses not only air transport services but also related operational and commercial activities. Its operations can be monitored through publicly disclosed company information and corporate publications.

Historical Development

Turkish Airlines (THY) was established on 20 May 1933 under the Ministry of National Defense (Ministry of National Security) as the State Airlines Enterprise. At its founding, it operated with five aircraft and a total of 24 personnel (seven pilots, eight engineers, eight clerks, and one radio operator). The first general manager appointed was Fesa Evrensev, one of Türkiye’s first pilots. The purpose of its establishment was to regulate and develop air transport within Türkiye. The company’s initial flights operated on domestic routes and were later expanded to other major cities within Türkiye and international destinations.^【1】

Turkish Airlines Aircraft (Anadolu Agency)

In 1947, THY operated its first international flight on the Ankara-Istanbul-Athens route. During the 1950s and 1960s, the company expanded its fleet and destinations, modernized its corporate structure, and established a significant position in the civil aviation sector.^【2】

From the 1980s onward, THY prioritized fleet modernization and continued its growth in scheduled international air transport within Türkiye. In the 2000s, its global flight network expanded rapidly, and its operational capacity was strengthened through membership in Star Alliance and international partnerships.^【3】

Corporate Structure

Turkish Airlines (THY) operates as a joint stock company. Its management structure is organized through corporate bodies, and decision-making processes are conducted via the general assembly and board of directors mechanisms. THY’s shares are publicly available, and the company’s ownership and partnership structure can be tracked within the framework outlined in official sources.^【4】

Turkish Airlines Aircraft (Anadolu Agency)

Brands and Subsidiaries

Turkish Airlines J.S.C. has subsidiaries and affiliated companies operating in various fields. These include THY Technical A.S., which provides technical maintenance services; THY DO&CO Catering Services A.S., which offers in-flight catering; TGS Ground Services A.S., which handles ground operations; and THY OPET Aviation Fuels A.S., which supplies aviation fuels. The company’s stakes in these subsidiaries vary directly or indirectly, with majority ownership in some and partial independence in others. Brand value is supported by revenues generated from domestic and international operations as well as advertising and sponsorship projects.^【5】

Areas of Activity

Turkish Airlines (THY) primarily operates in passenger and cargo transportation. Its operations cover both domestic and international flights, providing national and international transport services accordingly.

In addition, THY conducts commercial operations through maintenance and repair services, training activities, and its subsidiaries. The company’s corporate structure and organization are designed to enable the coordinated execution of these diverse operational areas.

Fleet Structure

The Turkish Airlines (THY) fleet consists of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft suited to different flight missions. The wide-body aircraft used for long- and medium-haul flights include the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A330-300, and Airbus A330-200. These aircraft are used for international passenger transportation.

Turkish Airlines Aircraft (Anadolu Agency)

Narrow-body aircraft operating on short- and medium-haul routes include the Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321-200, Airbus A320-200, Boeing 737-900ER, Boeing 737-800, Airbus A319-132/100, Boeing 737 MAX 9, and Boeing 737 MAX 8. These aircraft are used for both domestic and short- to medium-haul international flights.

The diversity of the fleet enables THY to schedule flights tailored to varying distance and capacity requirements. Additionally, the fleet is configured to meet both passenger and cargo transportation needs.^【6】

Crisis Periods and Stakeholder Relations

Turkish Airlines maintains effective communication with its stakeholders during crisis periods in the air transport sector. The company organizes information processes with internal stakeholders (employees, management units) and external stakeholders (passengers, business partners, regulatory bodies) to preserve corporate reputation and ensure operational continuity. These communication activities under crisis management play a decisive role in maintaining service continuity and uninterrupted operational performance.

International Memberships and Collaborations

Turkish Airlines (THY) conducts its operations in accordance with global aviation standards and is a member of international organizations. The company is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and collaborates with airlines worldwide. Additionally, as a member of Star Alliance, THY is part of a global airline alliance and benefits from code-sharing and joint flight opportunities with other member carriers.

Turkish Airlines Aircraft (Anadolu Agency)

^{}Mission and Vision

Turkish Airlines’ mission is to provide safe, high-quality, and accessible air transport services. Its vision is to become a globally preferred and respected airline. In this context, THY aims to continuously improve service quality, enhance operational efficiency, and operate in accordance with international standards.