New flights to Europe as one of the world’s most-awarded airlines arrives

Turkish Airlines lands in Australia on the evening of March 2, marking the entry of one of the world’s most awarded airlines into this market.

The carrier, named best airline in Europe eight times by Skytrax, including in the most recent awards, begins its commercial flights to Australia with a direct 20-hour 45-minute service between Istanbul and Melbourne (with a 1.5-hour stopover in Singapore), making the Victorian capital Turkish Airlines’ 346th destination and Australia its 130th country.

Turkish Airlines’ business class.

Turkish Airlines is operating Melbourne-Istanbul return three times a week and reportedly will go on to 21 flights weekly to or from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, with that number increasing to 35 by 2025.

The airline will operate a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Melbourne route during the northern winter, switching to a larger Airbus A350-900 for Europe’s summer months.

With other awards including best catering in both business and economy and best economy class seat, what can Australians expect onboard?

Turkish Airlines says “a major reason our passengers keep coming back to Turkish Airlines is the unique quality of our inflight dishes”.

Inflight dining is a highlight of travelling with the airline.

The airline combines Turkish cuisine with international flavours, and menus change seasonally. On certain flights, chefs onboard prepare and serve meals in business class, and there are menus for dietary requirements, whether based around health reasons or beliefs.

Economy class menus vary according to duration and departure time of the flights. Breakfasts include options such as eggs and muesli with dinners including pasta and grill options.

Wi-Fi is available at cost and is free for business class and Miles&Smiles member passengers on aircraft which offer it. Turkish Airlines says an increasing number of its international and domestic flights offer connectivity.

Because Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member, passengers have access to the group’s lounges, subject to Star Alliance rules. All passengers travelling in Turkish Airlines business class or Star Alliance member airlines can access the airline’s lounge at Istanbul airport.

With a size of about 5600 square metres, the lounge can accommodate 765 people at the same time, so finding a seat should be easy.

See turkishairlines.com