TURKISH AIRLINES CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF SERVICE AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH LAUNCH OF DAILY FLIGHTS
(Los Angeles, California – March 29, 2012) Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and Turkish Airlines celebrated the launch of the airline’s daily flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Atatürk Airport (IST) in Istanbul and the one-year anniversary of the airlines’ service launch between LAX-IST.
“I am very proud that Turkish Airlines chose LAX as its U.S. West Coast gateway last year and now is expanding to daily service,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa. “The nonstop route between LAX and Istanbul has strengthened business, tourism and cultural ties with one of the most desirable cities in Eurasia, while contributing substantially to the economy of Southern California.”
LAX attracts and supports economic activity throughout Southern California with an estimated 158,000 jobs in the city of Los Angeles being directly attributed to LAX and one in 20 jobs in Southern California created as a result of LAX operations. To contribute to this economic impact throughout the region, Turkish Airlines inaugurated service from Los Angeles last year with nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Istanbul four times per week. On March 26, 2012, Turkish Airlines began offering daily flights between Los Angeles and Istanbul, providing convenient connections to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
“We congratulate Turkish Airlines on its one-year anniversary at LAX. The airlines’ transoceanic nonstop service is a prime example of the type of quality air service we want to attract to LAX as we continue our $4.1-billion LAneXt™ modernization program,” said Stephen Martin, LAWA chief operating officer. “We appreciate the airline’s confidence in us as we undertake construction of the New Tom Bradley International Terminal that will add 1.2 million square feet of space -- more than doubling the current size of this terminal. We are scheduled to open several of the 18 new gates and 150,000 square feet of premium retail, dining and other passenger amenities for travelers Spring 2013.” Responding to growing demand, Turkish Airlines has increased nonstop Trans-Atlantic flights to Istanbul from three of its U.S. gateways –Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC - offering more frequent and convenient departures for both business and leisure travelers. “Adding more flights to our current schedule has made the trip between Los Angeles and Istanbul more flexible and convenient for our passengers,” said Turkish Airlines General Manager Yuceler. “Our goal is to quickly address the growing demand for more flights, and at the same time, continue to provide the standard-setting level of service and comfort that our passenger have come to expect from us.”
About Turkish Airlines:
Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 177 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 190 cities around the world, comprised of 40 domestic and 150 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several “Passengers Choice Awards” from the consumer ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner in 3 categories, “Best Airline Europe”, “Best Premium Economy Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline Southern Europe”. It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of “World’s Best Economy Class On-board Catering” in 2010, and Skyscanner’s “Best On-board Food 2011”. Long haul Business Class passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
LAX is the sixth busiest airport in the world and third in the United States, offering more than 600 daily flights to 91 domestic cities and more than 1,000 weekly nonstop flights to 56 cities in 32 countries on nearly 75 air carriers. It ranks 13th in the world in air cargo tonnage processed. In 2011, LAX served more than 61 million passengers, processed over 1.8 million tons of air cargo valued at nearly $80 billion, and handled 603,912 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.
