TURKISH AIRLINES OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES FOURTH U.S. GATEWAY WITH NONSTOP FLIGHTS FROM LOS ANGELES TO ISTANBUL
(Los Angeles, California – March 3, 2011) – Today Turkish Airlines launched the first nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Atatürk Airport in Istanbul. The flights are scheduled to depart four times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) aboard the brand-new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
To celebrate the new route, Turkish Airlines is offering an exceptionally discounted rate on all flights from Los Angeles to Istanbul purchased on or before April 30, 2011. Round-trip flights are available for $752.00 including all taxes and fees, provided the passengers stay a Saturday night. Passengers can book their travel on www.TurkishAirlines.com, call 1-800-874-8875 or work with their preferred travel agent.
Turkish Airlines, the fourth biggest network carrier in Europe, has rapidly expanded its U.S. presence in recent years. The new route from Los Angeles will allow more Americans the opportunity to explore Istanbul, Turkey and beyond. A gateway between east and west, Istanbul offers visitors an unrivaled glimpse into world history, the chance to experience one of Eurasia’s most cosmopolitan destinations and serves as a convenient hub for travel to other cities in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Turkish Airlines currently flies nonstop direct flights from New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
In conjunction with the launch of the new Los Angeles service, Turkish Airlines has named legendary basketball star Kobe Bryant as their new global brand ambassador. Mr. Bryant’s first commercial for the airline aired in the U.S., the Far East and over 80 countries worldwide in February 2011. The commercial is only one component of a larger campaign which will include billboards, print and online components.
“Los Angeles is one of the most desirable destinations in the United States, drawing millions of visitors each year,” said Fatma Yuceler, Director of Turkish Airlines in Los Angeles. “The new service will provide convenient connections between Istanbul and major Turkish and Eurasian destinations.”
Passengers traveling to/from LA will experience the exceptional service aboard the brand-new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Equipped with the latest technology, the planes will feature Turkish Airlines’ new Comfort Class. Comfort Class provides the affordability of economy with the luxury of business class. Boasting a 46 inch seat pitch and a seating area of 19.5 inches, Comfort Class offers the widest possible knee and seat space, compared to other airlines with premium economy. Every seat is also equipped with 10.6 inch in-arm monitors with AVOD services and connect to iPods or USB devices. Internet, GSM and Live TV applications will be accessible for Comfort Class passengers.
Turkish Airlines passengers will also enjoy the world-renowned catering by Turkish Do&Co, featuring an assortment of international cuisines as well as authentic Turkish dishes. A pioneer in the aviation industry, Turkish Airlines recently won the SkyTrax World Aviation Award, also known as the “Oscar of the Aviation Industry,” for the “World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering.”
About Turkish Airlines
Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline company with a fleet of 155 aircraft flying to 172 destinations around the world, comprising 41 domestic and 131 international destinations. Visit www.turkishairlines.com for more information.
About Star Alliance
Turkish Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance network which was established in 1997. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers 21.000 daily flights to 1,160 destinations in 181 countries.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the seventh busiest airport in the world and third in the United States, offering more than 565 daily flights to 81 domestic cities and over 1,000 weekly nonstop flights to 65 international destinations on over 75 carriers. In 2010, LAX served over 59 million passengers, processed over 1.9 million tons of air cargo valued at nearly $84 billion, and handled 575,835 aircraft operations (landings and takeoffs). LAX is part of a system of three Southern California airports – along with LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.