The indispensable beauty of growing

In New York, far away, a different operation is taking place, but they are talking about us. Journalists from every corner of the world are asking questions about the code of Turkish Airlines, or THY’s, growth legend. This is how it feels to be a global brand and it gives immense pleasure. 

I am at a hangar of Continental Airlines at Newark Airport. Half of the hangar is split by a curtain. The leaders of global aviation are there. As the curtain opens, the 757 of Continental, painted with the color of Star Alliance and bearing its name, is glowing under the spotlights. Then, company CEOs, from Lufthansa to Singapore Airlines, are called on stage.

Temel Kotil of THY is a key executive of this chain of leading companies. THY is the leader of its region, is among the top in European airlines and a global brand. Those like me who believe that THY is Turkey’s No. 1 brand are excited.

Thus joined Continental to Star Alliance.

After the ceremony, airline executives talk with journalists and answer questions. Tekel Kotil, Press Consultant Ali Genç, the lovely hostess Özlem Öncel, Business Development and Deals Manager Dr. Haşmet Gökırmak and İhsan Baytan, the U.S. managing director of THY. Journalists, including CNN’s Richard Guest, are queuing to ask questions. Kotil answers professionally. What I am seeing influences even someone choosy like me.

After Star Alliance membership, THY has been undergoing radical changes in its America line. The second flight at the New York line could be directed toward Newark Liberty Airport. Next April, the Washington, D.C. line will start operating.

With the Star Alliance partnership, THY put an end to its partnership with American Airlines. The new partner is United. As Chicago is United’s headquarters, THY launched daily flights there. With Air Canada, Toronto is put among the lines. In South America, Sao Paolo flights through the Dakar connection is an important step for Turkey’s flagship carrier.

With the rising number of U.S. passengers, THY has started to use 777-300ERs, with 312 seats, in its New York and Chicago flights. New flights to Newark, Continental’s base, are also possible. The airline has 74 percent of Newark traffic and it has direct flights to 176 cities from here. Houston and Cleveland are other important hubs for Continental. The Turkish carrier will soon sign joint flight agreements with the company.

Passenger analysis shows that there is serious traffic from Turkey to Washington, D.C. THY is also of importance for Indians, Arabs and Iranians living in the U.S. capital. Flight starting in April 2010 will be reciprocal and four days per week. The target is making the Istanbul-Washington, D.C. line daily in two years.

The next target would be extending flights to Los Angeles. At first, the flights will be connected from one of the current direct destinations. Then, in accordance with capacity, direct flights may start.

ucebeci@hurriyet.com.tr