Turkish Airlines to add Sydney or Melbourne to flight network

In a coup for travellers, a European airline is preparing to add a new route for Australians to get to the continent for the first time in 15 years.

Turkish Airlines’ business class features a 2-3-2 seat configuration.

For the first time in more than 15 years, a European airline is preparing to fly into Australia, providing another alternative for travellers to get to the continent.

Turkish Airlines has confirmed it is planning flights from Istanbul to either Sydney or Melbourne via Singapore from late this year or early next year, in a major coup for travellers. Initially the services will operate three times a week, with the intention of eventually adding more frequency pending federal government approval.

The carrier was expected to use Boeing 787-9s on the route, which could ultimately be flown non-stop when new generation ultra-long-range aircraft become available to do the 17-hour flight.

Turkish Airlines confirmed the planned flights but declined to comment further ahead of an official announcement in the months ahead.

It was understood no agreement had yet been signed with Australian airports, but Sydney and Melbourne confirmed they were in talks.

Turkish Airlines business class comes at a much more reasonable price than many carriers with fares from $700 for Istanbul to London.

“Melbourne Airport continues to work closely with Turkish Airlines to realise the airline’s ambition for services to Australia,” said a Melbourne Airport spokesman.

“Melbourne’s growing population and large Turkish community combined with Melbourne Airport’s 24/7 operations and integrated terminal precinct present a compelling case.

“Talks are progressing, but a final decision is yet to be made.”

A Sydney Airport spokeswoman said they were working “closely with Turkish Airlines and the New South Wales government to bring this exciting new opportunity forward”.

“Turkish Airlines has an unparalleled network and its home base in Istanbul is a destination which continues to grow in popularity with Australian travellers, along with other destinations across Turkey,” said the spokeswoman.

British Airways flies daily into Sydney, but no European Union airlines have operated to Australia since Austrian Airlines withdrew in 2007.

Turkish Airlines is part of the Star Alliance which also counts Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Swiss Air and Air Canada as members.

At last year’s Skytrax world airline awards, Turkish Airlines placed seventh overall, and took out top prize for best business class on-board catering.

The airline flies to 126 countries from its hub at Istanbul Airport, and is a favourite among Australian travel agents seeking to book clients on well-priced premium carriers to Europe.

Business class fares on Turkish Airlines for Istanbul to London started at around $700 climbing to $1074 for the four-hour flight.

Istanbul to Los Angeles in business class cost under $3500, or $1200 in economy, while flights to Singapore from Istanbul were selling at $2850 in business class and $1100 in economy.

Originally published as Turkish Airlines to add Sydney or Melbourne to flight network