Kotil, who was on a short trip to Pakistan, said “Turkish Airlines wants to strengthen ties by connecting the people of two countries and promoting tourism in both countries.”
“Pakistan with over 170 million people has a huge potential to progress in years to come,” he said.
Turkish Airlines will soon start Lahore-Istanbul flights, he informed. Replying to a question, he said the year 2011 will be a very good year for the world aviation industry.
Shedding light on the tough years for the aviation industry, he said, “2008 was the worst year for the industry while 2009 and 2010 were okay. However, Turkish Airlines has emerged with ease if compared to other big airlines from the challenges that were posed by the global economic slowdown and record oil prices.”
“The world aviation industry is again on the right track as more people are travelling across the world,” he added.
The airline’s revenues for 2010 have reached $6 billion and now it targets 20 per cent growth in 2011, he said, adding that the targets are ambitious for the next two years.
He revealed that the airline has ordered 90 aircraft next year and after their arrival its fleet will cross 200 aircraft. “We will place the new aircraft on the continent of Africa to make the most of this emerging market,” he highlighted.
Europe is the biggest market for the airline and more flights will be started between smaller European cities and routes where few airlines go, he said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines and Turkish Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase commercial cooperation and work on avenues to bring the people of the two countries closer.
The Mou was signed by Managing Director PIA Captain Muhammad Aijaz Haroon and President & CEO Turkish Airlines Dr Temel Kotil.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2010.
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