Two decades of sky-high progress hailed by airline

Turkish Airlines celebrated the 20th anniversary of its direct flights from Turkey to major cities in China.

In 1999, the award-winning airline launched its first China route from Istanbul to Beijing. Turkish Airlines operates daily flights to three key destinations on the Chinese mainland: Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and six flights a week for the Hong Kong route.

To offer passengers unique and quality services, the airline is committed to creating an atmosphere of "Turkish Hospitality" above the clouds. This includes splendid and cozy decor, well-trained flight attendants, services with courtesy and the unique "Flying Chef".

Seasonally inspired menus are created by its professional culinary team, combined with local styles. All dishes are made using fresh ingredients and served onboard by the Flying Chefs.

Turkish Airlines is passionate about growing and providing the dynamic Chinese market with an exceptional travel and dining experience, its executives said.

The airline provides premium and customized in-flight products and services for Chinese travelers, including plush and comfortable cabin interiors, a state-of-the-art entertainment system and a delectable Chinese menu.

Turkish Airlines also set up a Chinese call center to help communication with Chinese travelers.

During the past 20 years, the company has put faith in China's fast-growing market. It will continue to make great efforts in fulfilling its commitment to this market by providing incomparable services and products, according to its executives.

In line with its global expansion strategy, Turkish Airlines has been moving forward plans to remain competitive while building on its brand promise to help travelers widen their world.

The company, which flies to more than 311 destinations in 124 countries, has recently completed a big move to its new home: the modern and expansive Istanbul Airport. It has been touted as the new center of the global aviation sector.

Istanbul Airport will be the home of the local and global growth of Turkish Airlines. The airport will also become the driving force behind that growth with its state-of-the-art physical capabilities and capacity.

Turkish Airlines will open five passenger lounges available for Business Class, Miles & Smiles Elite Plus & Elite, Star Alliance Gold and Corporate Club passengers.

There are three lounges open: the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Miles & Smiles Lounge and Domestic Lounge. The Exclusive Lounge and Arrival Lounge are planned to open in summer 2019.

The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge has an approximate area of more than 5,570 square meters, which can seat 765 guests and features 13 private suites with showers.

Turkish Airlines also designed a 12 sq m museum in here by collaborating with the arts and cultural institution Istanbul Modern.

The exhibition titled A Selection from the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art Collection will bring significant examples that represent four main dispositions of modern art of Turkey together.

Made possible with the collaboration of Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Modern, exhibitions will be renewed three times a year within the project.

(China Daily 07/04/2019 page12)