Turkish Airlines plans to double its fleet in the next ten years, and ambitious plans include the launch of long-haul flights, including the opening of the Istanbul-Sydney route.
It's an older ambition of Turkish Airlines officials. Back in 2015, then-CEO Temel Kotil announced that it would be able to fly directly to Sydney. But the plans were delayed to be put into practice due to aircraft, then commercial considerations.
Direct flights Istanbul – Sydney
Turkish Airlines' current long-haul aircraft would require a stopover in Asia, with the airline previously suggesting Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bali for technical stopovers.
However, Turkish Airlines this week announced plans to expand its fleet to more than 800 aircraft by 2033 – when it will celebrate its centenary – from around 400 aircraft currently in place. And new ultra-long-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A350-1000 or the Boeing 777X could make non-stop flights between Istanbul and Sydney.
Airbus A350-1000 or Boeing 777X
Turkish Airlines President Ahmet Bolat announced in June 2022 at the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association that he is considering placing orders for the new A350-1000 or Boeing 777X aircraft. Whatever the choice, it will certainly have the necessary range to operate direct Istanbul – Sydney.
Australia's popular destination, Sydney, was among the "future routes" flagged in a Turkish Airlines investor presentation, along with Detroit, Santiago and Rio de Janerio. Turkish Airlines is the airline with the largest network of destinations served with direct flights.