Turkish Airlines to Modify A350-1000s for Non-Stop Australia Flights

Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul Airport) is set to enhance its long-haul operations by modifying up to five Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to enable non-stop flights to Australia and beyond, CEO Bilal Eksi revealed in a recent interview with Aviation Week. These modifications will include a premium-seat-heavy configuration, featuring up to 60 business class seats. This strategic adjustment will reduce the aircraft’s overall weight, allowing it to fly longer distances without compromising passenger comfort or revenue potential.

This initiative comes as Turkish Airlines launched its flights to Australia earlier this year, marking a significant expansion in its global network. Currently, the airline operates thrice-weekly flights to Melbourne Tullamarine using Airbus A350-900s, which make a necessary refueling stop at Singapore Changi. Additionally, four weekly services to Sydney Kingsford Smith employ the same aircraft type, with a stopover at Kuala Lumpur International for refueling.

Despite the existing Boeing 787-9s capable of flying non-stop between Istanbul and Melbourne, operating these flights with the current aircraft requires flying with a suboptimal passenger load. To address this, Turkish Airlines plans to maintain its Southeast Asian stopovers until the modified A350-1000s are ready to take on the non-stop routes. The airline has placed an order for 15 A350-1000s, with deliveries expected to commence in 2025, positioning these aircraft to be the backbone of the expanded long-haul fleet.

The planned configuration of the A350-1000s focuses on increasing premium seating, thereby enhancing the economic viability of non-stop flights. By reducing the overall weight of the aircraft and maintaining high revenue through business class seats, Turkish Airlines can offer competitive pricing while ensuring profitability on long-haul routes. The majority of the A350-1000 fleet will retain a more balanced seat configuration but will be deployed on shorter routes, ensuring flexibility and efficiency across the network.

In addition to the immediate plans for Australia, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Eksi indicated that non-stop services to Auckland, New Zealand could be introduced following the successful launch of the Melbourne and Sydney routes. These services are expected to commence no earlier than 2026, as the airline continues to expand its reach into new international markets.

Moreover, the arrival of the modified A350-1000s will open up new opportunities in South America. Turkish Airlines currently operates flights to São Paulo Guarulhos and Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini, with plans to initiate services to Santiago de Chile by mid-December. Similar to its Australian operations, these South American routes require a refueling stop, specifically in São Paulo, which underscores the need for non-stop long-haul capabilities that the A350-1000s will provide.

Turkish Airlines’ investment in modifying the A350-1000s is a strategic move to bolster its global presence and offer more direct routes to key destinations. With the enhanced range and increased business class capacity, these aircraft will enable the airline to deliver a superior travel experience while expanding its market footprint.

As Turkish Airlines continues to grow its long-haul capabilities, the integration of the modified A350-1000s will play a crucial role in maintaining competitive advantage and meeting the evolving demands of international travelers. By providing non-stop flights to major destinations like Australia and potentially New Zealand, the airline is poised to strengthen its position as a leading global carrier.

Turkish Airlines’ plan to modify up to five A350-1000s marks a significant step in its strategy to expand non-stop flight offerings to Australia and beyond. With deliveries of the new aircraft beginning in 2025, passengers can expect more direct and comfortable travel options, enhancing the overall connectivity and competitiveness of Turkish Airlines in the international aviation market.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com