Turkish Airlines has been stepping up its appeal as a global carrier over the past year, increasing service from the U.S. to Istanbul and from Istanbul to various points around the world.
The airline will increase non-stop Trans-Atlantic flights to Istanbul from three of its U.S. gateways—New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Non-stop flights between New York’s JFK International Airport and Istanbul Atatürk Airport increased to 14 flights from 11 per week as of yesterday, and peak at 21 flights per week during the busy summer travel season between May 28 and September 16 on all Boeing 777 and Airbus 330 aircraft.
In addition, the airline also recently started service to Mogadishu, Somalia, operating twice weekly flights via Khartoum. Flights will depart on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Atatürk Airport and return from Mogadishu on Wednesdays and Fridays.
The airline is also investing in new technology, having recently introduced high-speed Wi-Fi broadband Internet access on its Trans-Atlantic flights departing from Los Angeles and New York. The new service will be available on 12 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering unlimited Internet for laptops, tablets, smart phones or any other device that is WLAN-enabled. Turkish Airlines was the first carrier to debut Live TV on commercial transatlantic flights (also on the B777-300ER aircraft).
And finally, the recently renovated International CIP Lounge in Ataturk Airport (pictured) has some nice touches, like private relaxation rooms, massage chairs, gender-based prayer rooms as well as showers with special toiletry kits, a play room for children and a private infant room (perfect for soothing babies to sleep).
