Turkish Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Turkey, and it was founded in 1933 with a fleet of just five aircraft. The airline initially served domestic routes within Turkey, but it soon expanded its network to include international destinations across Europe and the Middle East.
In the 1950s, Turkish Airlines began operating transatlantic flights to New York City, marking the start of its global expansion. It continued adding new destinations throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including those in Africa, Asia, and South America.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Turkish Airlines faced financial difficulties due to economic and political instability in Turkey. However, it managed to recover and restructure its operations, launching a new strategy to become a major player in the global airline industry.
In the early 2000s, Turkish Airlines began rapidly expanding, adding new destinations and modernizing its fleet with new aircraft. It also became a member of the Star Alliance, a global airline network that allows airlines to share routes and offer customers more travel options.
Today, Turkish Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, with a fleet of over 350 aircraft and more than 300 destinations in over 120 countries. It is known for its high levels of customer service, modern and comfortable aircraft, and innovative in-flight entertainment options. The airline has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named the "Best Airline in Europe" by Skytrax for six consecutive years from 2011 to 2016.