ISTANBUL: Turkish Airlines has taken delivery of the first of 25 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring the carrier’s bespoke, new Business Class Cabins.
The aircraft, regarded as one of the most advanced aircraft for its fuel efficiency and range flexibility, will open new routes for Turkish Airlines.
The Turkish flag carrier had placed 25 firm and five optional orders for the 787-9 Dreamliner last year, which will be gradually added to its expanding fleet between 2019 and 2023.
A part of the 787 Dreamliner family, the 787-9 is powered by a suite of new technologies and a revolutionary design. It can fly 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km) in addition to carrying more cargo and allowing the airline to profitably grow its routes. The aircraft also allows operators to achieve better fuel efficiency per seat compared to the previous carriers in its class.
Turkish Airlines’ Dreamliner has a seating capacity for 300 passengers, including 270 economy class seats and 30 business class seats.
The modern cabins provide the perfect setting to enjoy Turkish Airlines’ award-winning onboard dining and inflight entertainment. For Business Class passengers, the 787-9 Dreamliner elevates this experience even higher with new seats offering a unique inflight experience.
The lighting scenarios draw inspiration from the colourful sunsets of Turkey’s central Cappadocia region and idyllic turquoise beaches and a modern, traveller-friendly 1-2-1 layout offers all aisle access to Business Class passengers. Other features include enhanced privacy panels, personal closed stowage space, self-care mirror and wide cocktail table.
Business Class passengers also enjoy 44-inch legroom and a 180-degree lie flat 76-inch seat bed length. Increased seclusion comes from the adjustable privacy panel between the paired middle seats and newly designed seat shell, while an 18-inch HD video display and touchscreen remote control raise the entertainment offering. Suede-like Alcantara padding – commonly found in sports cars – is used for the interior trimming of each Business Class seat, adding another welcome touch of luxury and refinement.
Produced by local Turkish suppliers, the Economy Class seat offers passengers a pleasant journey with 12-inch HD screens in the first six aircraft and 13-inch HD screens after, new functional literature pocket design, six-inch recline and 31-inch legroom.
“Turkish Airlines is committed to continuously expanding its range of services on and off-ground as it grows in reach and flies to more international destinations. We’re thrilled to reach new horizons with the addition of the 787-9 Dreamliner to our fleet flying from our new home, Istanbul Airport,” said M. İlker Aycı, Turkish Airlines’ chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee.
“The aircraft’s advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and passenger-centric cabin design will help us remain the first choice for travellers and provide our loyal flyers across the globe with a best-in-class experience for years to come,” he said.
“Turkish Airlines’ growth has been remarkable in recent years, both in expanding flight options and supporting Turkey’s aviation industry. We are honoured that Turkish Airlines is embarking on its next chapter of expansion with the 787 Dreamliner,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. “We are confident that the Dreamliner’s unmatched fuel efficiency, performance and passenger-pleasing comforts will contribute to the airline’s reputation as a five-star carrier.”
By the end of August, six 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft will be operational and servicing international routes.
