The Boeing 777 flight TK168 landed at 20.44, just four minutes behind schedule, and brought an end to a twenty year wait.
Melbourne has becomeTurkish Airlines first destination in Australia, expanding the airline’s flight network to 346 destinations across six continents.
The airline is offering 3w flights from its Istanbul hub to Melbourne, the capital of Victoria State, becoming the only European airline serving the city. While the initial flight, brought forward by two weeks, was a B777, that will quickly be replaced by a Boeing 787, and shortly after that by an Airbus A350.
Flights will operate via Singapore Changi International Airport using Turkish Airlines’ fleet of 450 aircraft.
The airline says that the inaugural flight to Melbourne marks a significant milestone for Turkish Airlines, extending its reach to the Australian continent and highlighting its growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat said: “Today marks a monumental milestone for Turkish Airlines, as we celebrate the realisation of a long-held ambition—to extend our reach to the Australian continent. This achievement follows meticulous planning and extensive infrastructure developments, symbolising the successful bridging of Istanbul with a new and vibrant continent. The inauguration of our Melbourne route is a testament to our growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region and underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering connections between diverse cultures and communities across the globe. Australia becomes the 130th country to join our expansive network, signifying our presence across six continents. Through our unparalleled network, we are thrilled to offer our guests a gateway to global exploration, ensuring that our legacy of exceptional service quality continues to flourish in every corner of the world.”
