Greetings Turkish Aviation fans, from the sunny beaches of the Caribbean,
it is vacation time for me. Hope everyone is doing OK and safe



-In March, TK said they will make a decision on 40 MAX options by the end of the year, see what happens?
-Happy Turkish Aviation Threads Anniversary to all, first thread was December 2006

Please continue with your news, views, rumors (TAP), photos and good old sense of humor.
Welcome.

You can find last months thread here: Turkish Aviation November 2021

latest entries and exits in turkish aviation till Dec. 1st 2021

TURKISH AIRLINES
TC-LGF Airbus A350-941 msn 496 awaiting ff, out of Final Assembly Line (FAL)
TC-LTJ? Airbus A321-271NX msn 10723 awaiting ff, at XFW only tail c/s
TC-LTK? Airbus A321-271NX msn 10725 also ???
TC-LT... Airbus A321-271NX msn 10854 On Order

TC-LLR Boeing 787-9 msn/ln 65816/1121 still stored, ff 14/10/2021
TC-LLS Boeing 787-9 msn/ln 65817/1117 still stored, ff 28/09/2021
TC-LLT Boeing 787-9 msn/ln 65818/1113 awaiting ff
TC-LLU(?) Boeing 787-9 msn/ln 65819/1141 Final Assembly Line (FAL)

TC-LCI Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 60042/7637 still stored, ff 19/07/2019

TC-JZG Boeing 737-8F2 wl msn/ln 60028/6078 "AKSARAY" back from Air Albania lease, tfd 16/10/2021


PEGASUS
TC-RBH Airbus A321-251NX msn 10523 "Zümra" dd 26/11/2021
TC-RBK Airbus A321-251NX msn 10679 awaiting ff, at XFW only tail c/s
TC-RB... Airbus A321-251NX msn 10611 On Order
TC-RB... Airbus A321-251NX msn 10814 On Order

TC-NCY Airbus A320-251N msn 10465 "Defne" ff 19/10/2021
TC-NCZ Airbus A320-251N msn 10527 "Eylül Ada" ff 25/11/2021

TC-DCJ Airbus A320-214 msn 4175 "Ezo" lsd JSA, return to JSA Jackson Square Aviation OE-IAV, ret 25/11/2021 Teruel (TEV)
TC-AVP Boeing 737-82R wl msn 38175/3877 "Yağmur A.", for FlyR L N-FGD std 30/09/2021 in Istanbul (SAW)
TC-CCK Boeing 737-82R wl msn 35699/2712 "Hüma", to SCAT Airlines UP-B3732, ret 03/10/2021
TC-CCJ Boeing 737-82R wl msn 35701/2496 "Yaren", to PAC&E OE-IEC, ret 20/10/2021"
TC-IZJ Boeing 737-82R wl msn 35700/2435 "Hayirli", to nordwind Airlines VP-BDW, ret 14/10/2021


SUNEXPRESS
TC-SMA Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63603/8133 ff 25/10/2021
TC-SMB Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63604/8122 ff 24/11/2021
TC-SMD Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63605/8148 ff 18/11/2021
TC-SMC? Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63607/8155 awaiting ff
TC-SOI Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 61200/7504 still stored, ff 07/04/2019
TC-SOJ Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 61201/7586 still stored, ff 10/06/2019
TC-SOK Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 61202/7606 still stored, ff 25/06/2019
TC-SOL Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 61203/7554 still stored, ff 14/05/2019
TC-SOM Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 61204/7627 still stored, ff 02/07/2019

TC-SOU Boeing 737-8Z9 wl msn/ln 30420/1100, returned to BBAM N342BB, ret 20/09/2021


ONUR AIR
TC-OCM Airbus A330-243 msn 491, returned to Bellinger Aviation Services, stored at Nimes (FNI), ret 25/11/2021


MNG CARGO AIRLINES
TC-MCM Airbus A330-343(P2F) msn 879, lsd BOC Aviation ex VQ-BSO, re-delivery to MNG Cargo Airlines after cvtd -P2F, rd 17/11/2021

On a bombshell, I'm hearing that TK is seriously considering turning Ajet ops to all Airbus, especially in SAW. This may include A321s as well as A320s. They are having a hard time competing against the Pegasus A321neo economics as it is.

robcol99 wrote:

On a bombshell, I'm hearing that TK is seriously considering turning Ajet ops to all Airbus, especially in SAW. This may include A321s as well as A320s. They are having a hard time competing against the Pegasus A321neo economics as it is.

Seems like a perfect way to utilise A320s and older A321s.

Nice to see the A350 on Turkish 3 today, it seems to be once a week for now.

As always, thank you for the new thread, TK787!

TKflyer wrote:

SUNEXPRESS
TC-SMA Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63603/8133 ff 25/10/2021
TC-SMB Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63604/8122 ff 24/11/2021
...

Does anybody know if SunExpress will take over the 3 Boeing 737-9 which were designated to SunExpress Germany?

A321Lufthansa wrote:

robcol99 wrote:

On a bombshell, I'm hearing that TK is seriously considering turning Ajet ops to all Airbus, especially in SAW. This may include A321s as well as A320s. They are having a hard time competing against the Pegasus A321neo economics as it is.

Seems like a perfect way to utilise A320s and older A321s.

Yep. And TK @ IST would then finally be free from the old interior with euro business class seats, too

TK launching Cebu Philippines.

Effective January 3, IST-MNL will increase to 10x weekly, and 3 of those flights (TK264/265) using A350 will continue to CEB.

emre787 wrote:

As always, thank you for the new thread, TK787!

TKflyer wrote:

SUNEXPRESS
TC-SMA Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63603/8133 ff 25/10/2021
TC-SMB Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63604/8122 ff 24/11/2021
...

Does anybody know if SunExpress will take over the 3 Boeing 737-9 which were designated to SunExpress Germany?

A321Lufthansa wrote:

robcol99 wrote:

On a bombshell, I'm hearing that TK is seriously considering turning Ajet ops to all Airbus, especially in SAW. This may include A321s as well as A320s. They are having a hard time competing against the Pegasus A321neo economics as it is.

Seems like a perfect way to utilise A320s and older A321s.

Yep. And TK @ IST would then finally be free from the old interior with euro business class seats, too

Unfortunately, the 3 Boeing 737–9 MAX are offered by ACG, with at least the first zwo going to Alaska Airlines.

D–ASMA BOEING 737–9 MAX msn/ln 64960/7468, ex N1786B, N960SX, N1800B, N1784B, (ntu D–ASMA SunExpress Germany), ACG, N975AK Alaska Airlines
D–ASMB BOEING 737–9 MAX msn/ln 64963/7458, ex N1786B, N963SX (ntu D–ASMB SunExpress Germany), ACG, N974AK Alaska Airlines
D–ASMC BOEING 737–9 MAX msn/ln 64967/7484, ex N1786B, N967SX (ntu D–ASMV SunExpress Germany), ACG

TKflyer wrote:

emre787 wrote:

As always, thank you for the new thread, TK787!

TKflyer wrote:

SUNEXPRESS
TC-SMA Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63603/8133 ff 25/10/2021
TC-SMB Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63604/8122 ff 24/11/2021
...

Does anybody know if SunExpress will take over the 3 Boeing 737-9 which were designated to SunExpress Germany?

A321Lufthansa wrote:

Seems like a perfect way to utilise A320s and older A321s.

Yep. And TK @ IST would then finally be free from the old interior with euro business class seats, too

Unfortunately, the 3 Boeing 737–9 MAX are offered by ACG, with at least the first zwo going to Alaska Airlines.

D–ASMA BOEING 737–9 MAX msn/ln 64960/7468, ex N1786B, N960SX, N1800B, N1784B, (ntu D–ASMA SunExpress Germany), ACG, N975AK Alaska Airlines
D–ASMB BOEING 737–9 MAX msn/ln 64963/7458, ex N1786B, N963SX (ntu D–ASMB SunExpress Germany), ACG, N974AK Alaska Airlines
D–ASMC BOEING 737–9 MAX msn/ln 64967/7484, ex N1786B, N967SX (ntu D–ASMV SunExpress Germany), ACG

Thanks for the info

Thanks for a new thread . An interesting article


CEO Keynote: Putting its Reputation Before Numbers was Key to Turkish Airlines’ Bounce-back Post-COVID-19

https://apex.aero/articles/ceo-keynote- ... -covid-19/

I have flown finally TK after almost 2 years. Just for miles and fun. 738Max from Bud to IST was my first Max so i was happy crew was good and in economy they give a sandwich small salad and some beverages. Nothing special but more then expected. Then i booked business to FRA with the A333. I will say business is good as i remembered and i was happy. Transit was a mix. They insist i had to do a PLF entering Germany that i didnt need at the end. Business lounge was closed so i used the other one. Maximum 20/30 persone inside. Food was practically nothing not that i wanted eat at midnight but offer was zero. Regards

I have flown finally TK after almost 2 years. Just for miles and fun. 738Max from Bud to IST was my first Max so i was happy crew was good and in economy they give a sandwich small salad and some beverages. Nothing special but more then expected. Then i booked business to FRA with the A333. I will say business is good as i remembered and i was happy. Transit was a mix. They insist i had to do a PLF entering Germany that i didnt need at the end. Business lounge was closed so i used the other one. Maximum 20/30 persone inside. Food was practically nothing not that i wanted eat at midnight but offer was zero. Regards

I have flown finally TK after almost 2 years. Just for miles and fun. 738Max from Bud to IST was my first Max so i was happy crew was good and in economy they give a sandwich small salad and some beverages. Nothing special but more then expected. Then i booked business to FRA with the A333. I will say business is good as i remembered and i was happy. Transit was a mix. They insist i had to do a PLF entering Germany that i didnt need at the end. Business lounge was closed so i used the other one. Maximum 20/30 persone inside. Food was practically nothing not that i wanted eat at midnight but offer was zero. Regards

Posted by TK


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFnHTGvWUAE ... name=small

Also per Bilal Eksi, TK is seeking additional Canada frequencies.

mxp wrote:

They insist i had to do a PLF entering Germany that i didnt need at the end.

That's always the case unfortunately. Else, afaik, they aren't allowed to hand out the boarding tickets as it is compulsory for every arriving pax. Mine were controlled only once in Frankfurt

LAXintl wrote:

Also per Bilal Eksi, TK is seeking additional Canada frequencies.

I read that too. I'm curious where the additionnal frequencies will go to. Finally daily to Toronto? Or more to Vancouver? Btw, the route seems to be working quite well as they're also scheduling the bigger A359 on some days (alongside Montreal) https://twitter.com/theaeronetwork/stat ... fMFFA&s=19

OA260 wrote:

Thanks for a new thread . An interesting article


CEO Keynote: Putting its Reputation Before Numbers was Key to Turkish Airlines’ Bounce-back Post-COVID-19

https://apex.aero/articles/ceo-keynote- ... -covid-19/

From the article:

He also said the carrier would focus more on its premium economy offering, which is a segment that he believes will grow.

Is this a hint for premium economy at TK? Or did he meant the "premium" service in Economy class which imo is actually premium in comparison to other carriers, especially like LH. They just introduced buy on board on longhaul economy

But for real I'm a bit sceptical if premium economy would work for TK. Of coure there is a market but it will again be such a hot mess as it was like back when they introduced comfort class on the 77Ws. So many routes are being flown by narrow and widebody aircraft, not to forget the long African sectors done by the 737-900ERs and Max'. They won't just install a premium economy offering in them... and the sell of feeder/onward flights in Economy and not premium economy will only hurt the brand again as uninformed people will create rage

I would appreciate to hear your opinions about that

TAV-Fraport gets the AYT deal for 7 Million euros for 25 years.

What a scandalous tender. This bid is for operation of AYT Terminal from 2027 till 2051. Current government is making tenders beyond their jurisdiction time limit. Opposition parties warned tenderers not to bid and they will over rule this tender result if they are elected at upcoming elections.

By the way, deal is for 7 billion.

Thanks for the correction

TK105 wrote:

What a scandalous tender. This bid is for operation of AYT Terminal from 2027 till 2051. Current government is making tenders beyond their jurisdiction time limit. Opposition parties warned tenderers not to bid and they will over rule this tender result if they are elected at upcoming elections.

If governments could only approve contracts until the next election, nothing would be done. Its quite normal for tenders to be awarded for decades, especially when the counter party (in this case Fraport) invest large sums of money (EUR 765mil) in the project to and need to recoup that investment.
For example in France, its quite common for roadways, bridges, power plants, etc to be awarded under 30-50+ year tenders allowing the operator to earn their investment back and make eventual profit for taking the risk.
Also, there is the concept in the international law arena that says previous government debt obligations, agreements, and liabilities are assumed to be valid as part of political transitions. No one would invest in a country or project if the agreement was so unstable and subject to cancellation based on the next election.

Anyhow, regarding AYT, Fraport will continue to manage the facility and invest its €765mil in modernization over the next decade. Look forward to seeing the improvements.

The existing Fraport concession was for 25-years and the new tender is for 25-years also. As part of the deal, DHMI will receive 25% of the bid price upfront something the treasury could use today.

As part of the tender Fraport/TAV agreed to the following investments
○ Large extension of current Terminal-2 (190,000sq m from todays 82,000sq m) that will serve as the main international terminal.
○ A new 70,000sq m international terminal
○ Domestic terminal expansion from 37,000sq m to 78,000sq m.
○ Aircraft parking positions will increase from 106 to 181.
○ New general aviation facility
○ New cargo terminals
○ New multi-story carpark
○ Heliport

All projects except the new international terminal will be completed within 3-years.

When all is done, airports' annual passenger capacity will have doubled to 80mil.

mercure1 wrote:

If governments could only approve contracts until the next election, nothing would be done.

Current contract is active for another 5 years. It is logical to make a tender 1 year before this contract ends, ie 2026.

Its quite normal for tenders to be awarded for decades, especially when the counter party (in this case Fraport) invest large sums of money (EUR 765mil) in the project to and need to recoup that investment.
For example in France, its quite common for roadways, bridges, power plants, etc to be awarded under 30-50+ year tenders allowing the operator to earn their investment back and make eventual profit for taking the risk.

I’m courious if there are examples of such new contracts in France, 5 years before the existing contract ends and given to a FOREIGN contractor for 25 years.

Also, there is the concept in the international law arena that says previous government debt obligations, agreements, and liabilities are assumed to be valid as part of political transitions. No one would invest in a country or project if the agreement was so unstable and subject to cancellation based on the next election.

Depends on level of corruption.

LAXintl wrote:

DHMI will receive 25% of the bid price upfront something the treasury could use today.

Yes, this is the critical point actually. Future is sold for some money to be paid today. But the treasury is -45b$, it will solve nothing. They’ve spent our earnings, they’ve already spent our children’s money. Now they are spending our grand children’s money.

It seems to me one of the critical points of the AYT extension agreement is that Fraport/TAV is willing to invest and redevelop the airport today and have projects completed within 3-years.

In 2019 the airport was already close to its 40mil passenger capacity, so it seems a good outcome to have Fraport/TAV invest today and start the airports modernization right away to be ready by 2025, and not delay and investments until the end of the decade should an extension not have been awarded now, and having to wait on the outcome of a future tender process.

TKflyer wrote:

latest entries and exits in turkish aviation till Dec. 1st 2021

...........


SUNEXPRESS
TC-SMA Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63603/8133 ff 25/10/2021
TC-SMB Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63604/8122 ff 24/11/2021
TC-SMD Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63605/8148 ff 18/11/2021
TC-SMC? Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63607/8155 awaiting ff
TC-SOI Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 61200/7504 still stored, ff 07/04/2019
TC-SOJ Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 61201/7586 still stored, ff 10/06/2019
TC-SOK Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 61202/7606 still stored, ff 25/06/2019
TC-SOL Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 61203/7554 still stored, ff 14/05/2019
TC-SOM Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 61204/7627 still stored, ff 02/07/2019

...........

Now it is official, TC-SME and not the TC-SMC as assumed, Boeing 737-8 msn/ln 63607/8155 had its maiden flight, ff 01/12/2021

LAXintl wrote:

TK launching Cebu Philippines.

Effective January 3, IST-MNL will increase to 10x weekly, and 3 of those flights (TK264/265) using A350 will continue to CEB.

What are the COVID test requirements when transiting through Istanbul. Let's say you are flying US to Istanbul to India/Philippines. Both India and Philippines require a RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure. But in the example, does the 72 window apply up to the first flight in the US (originating point), or Istanbul (connection point)? Does Istanbul as a transit point have its own COVID test requirements for transit in addition to that?

Thanks in advance.

LAXintl wrote:

In 2019 the airport was already close to its 40mil passenger capacity, so it seems a good outcome to have Fraport/TAV invest today and start the airports modernization right away to be ready by 2025, and not delay and investments until the end of the decade should an extension not have been awarded now, and having to wait on the outcome of a future tender process.

These investments are nothing in comparison to value of AYT airport and its potential.

With a fair competition I trust that Turkey can lease AYT above 1b$ annual value and lease period should not be more than 10 years, better be for 5 years only.

However I support 51% government owned professional operation companies to operated strategic national assets which minority shares are open to public at BIST. Such models work (mostly) very well in Turkey such as Isbank, Oyak, Aselsan, TAI, even TK. All operation of airports including IST, SAW, AYT needs to be operated by such a national company.

Seems like the bilaterals between Turkey and the UAE have indeed been expanded.

AnadoluJet announced flights from SAW to Sharjah, 4x weekly starting 15th December

https://havahaber.com/anadolujet-istanb ... -basliyor/

And another one: AnadoluJet starts SAW - Odessa, Ukraine on 16th December, 3x weekly

Pegasus flies the route 4x weekly

https://tolgaozbek.com/haberler/havayol ... uyor/?s=09

Current contract is active for another 5 years. It is logical to make a tender 1 year before this contract ends, ie 2026.

I believe the present contract (previously awarded to Fraport-İçtaş, later revised to Fraport-TAV) ends at 31.12.2024; not to ot some time in 2026 unless it has been extended due to pandemic reasons.

The present Domestic Terminal, which is integrated with International Terminal-1 will be expanded to accommodate 4 additional PBBs (presently there are 4 PBBs). Or it may be that there will be added 2 single tunnel PBBs and a third M.A.R.S. bridge to enable docking of a wide body and be serviced via both 1L & 2L doors.

I have very little guessing for the expansion of International Terminal-2. But it looks logical that it will be expanded in the same format that Terminal-1 has been expanded and then the expansion converted into the current Domestic Terminal. So PPBs to accommodate at least 8 (eight) narrow bodies may likely be added (possibly a mixture of single tunnel and M.A.R.S. types).

The contract also covers a new VIP Terminal plus building of a new (or additional) technical block and possibly a new (or additional) ATC Tower and also some more infrastructure additions for aviation fuel storage and pumping.

LAXintl wrote:

Posted by TK


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFnHTGvWUAE ... name=small

Also per Bilal Eksi, TK is seeking additional Canada frequencies.

I'm still not confident that DTW or DEN will be added. I mean you are showing us this presentation but why not just go ahead and load the flights. They basically went ahead and already loaded the summer frequency additions. Maybe these will come on line 5 or 10 years down the road but not as soon as people are hoping for.

After doing some more research on Turkish websites, I came across to the following (in Turkish), regarding the current term for operating AYT Airport, under Fraport-TAV partnership:

İhale, var olan anlaşmanın sonlanacağı Ocak 2027’den Aralık 2051’e kadar olan dönemi kapsıyor.” bilgisini verdi.

This co-relates with TK105's indication. Somehow the terms must have been extended to end 2026, from end 2024.

IMHO, the extension of present Domestic Terminal and the T-2 International Terminal will greatly improve AYT's pax handling capacity in the post-Covid days (with fingers crossed), since Fraport-TAV will be committed to complete these expansions within a three years' period: say first quarter of 2025, the latest. Particularly, Domestic Terminal's expansion is a must and priority.

TK105 wrote:

With a fair competition I trust that Turkey can lease AYT above 1b$ annual value and lease period should not be more than 10 years, better be for 5 years only.

No one will accept a tender for mere 5 or 10 years. It takes decades to recoup the investments. As a comparison, the contract to run SAW by MAHB is for 20-years, with an automatic 4-year extension option.

And in this case other companies like Limak and Vinci also bid on the AYT tender and submitted sealed bids but were lower than Fraport-TAV.

As background, the 2007 winning ICF bid for AYT was €2.4 billion for a period of 17 years. Now the government will get €7.25 billion fees over 25 years.

mafaky wrote:

After doing some more research on Turkish websites, I came across to the following (in Turkish), regarding the current term for operating AYT Airport, under Fraport-TAV partnership:
This co-relates with TK105's indication. Somehow the terms must have been extended to end 2026, from end 2024.

The original 2024 expiry term was extended to the end of 2026 in February 2021 to help defer payment of the annual concession fee due to pandemic traffic reduction and subsequent revenue losses.

And in this case other companies like Limak and Vinci also bid on the AYT tender and submitted sealed bids but were lower than Fraport-TAV.

Limak & daVinci Group declined to bid on the last minute but yes, there was one other bidder which evantually lost.

The problem with TK's Premium Economy (Comfort Class) was that the cabin was way too big to start with. BA , LH, AC usually allocates 4 or 5 rows to Premium Economy where TK offered more than 10 rows. This was a product unknown to many in Turkey and ME at that time and TK could not fill the seats. Adding to that is the fleet inconsistency problems of TK and that utilization of narrow bodies to some long routes in Africa etc. the premium economy product did not work well. Time will come again and TK will have to reintroduce Comfort Class, of course the sooner the better as it is a problem to change the cabin interior later on. Lots of new aircraft being ordered on C and Y configuration only and this will have to be reversed.
This time for the narrow body aircraft the Comfort Class could also be introduced with larger leg room between rows and some additional amenities compared to economy could be offered as well to sort out the issue with narrow body and wide body.
I hope TK brings back Comfort Class.

emre787 wrote:

LAXintl wrote:

Also per Bilal Eksi, TK is seeking additional Canada frequencies.

I read that too. I'm curious where the additionnal frequencies will go to. Finally daily to Toronto? Or more to Vancouver? Btw, the route seems to be working quite well as they're also scheduling the bigger A359 on some days (alongside Montreal) https://twitter.com/theaeronetwork/stat ... fMFFA&s=19

OA260 wrote:

Thanks for a new thread . An interesting article


CEO Keynote: Putting its Reputation Before Numbers was Key to Turkish Airlines’ Bounce-back Post-COVID-19

https://apex.aero/articles/ceo-keynote- ... -covid-19/

From the article:

He also said the carrier would focus more on its premium economy offering, which is a segment that he believes will grow.

Is this a hint for premium economy at TK? Or did he meant the "premium" service in Economy class which imo is actually premium in comparison to other carriers, especially like LH. They just introduced buy on board on longhaul economy

But for real I'm a bit sceptical if premium economy would work for TK. Of coure there is a market but it will again be such a hot mess as it was like back when they introduced comfort class on the 77Ws. So many routes are being flown by narrow and widebody aircraft, not to forget the long African sectors done by the 737-900ERs and Max'. They won't just install a premium economy offering in them... and the sell of feeder/onward flights in Economy and not premium economy will only hurt the brand again as uninformed people will create rage

I would appreciate to hear your opinions about that

ankaraflyjet wrote:

BA , LH, AC usually allocates 4 or 5 rows to Premium Economy where TK offered more than 10 rows.

I agree with everything you say.
IIRC, TK Comfort Class had 63 seats, 9 rows of 2-3-2 layout.

Honestly for the Comfort Class, all I would ask for is extra leg room with regular economy seats.

I really liked old Comfort Class with its seats resembling old A-310 business class but I think it was too much for this purpose.

With the TC–SOI, SunExpress receives its first Boeing 737–8 MAX msn/ln 61200 /7504 with a delay of around 21 months.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/tc-soi

Today Pegasus has taken over its second last A320N for the time being with the TC-NCY Airbus A320-251N msn 10465

Curious as to how TK's paid business upgrade offer works, anyone here have experience with paid upgrades?

Upgraded my IST-ICN flight day before the flight using paid upgrade (Through the website by looking up my reservation). My return flight does not have the option for paid upgrade available yet, but the flight is more than a week away. Will the paid upgrade be available later? Is TK still "calculating" demand for Business. How does TK decide to offer paid upgrades or not.

1g wrote:

Curious as to how TK's paid business upgrade offer works, anyone here have experience with paid upgrades?

Upgraded my IST-ICN flight day before the flight using paid upgrade (Through the website by looking up my reservation). My return flight does not have the option for paid upgrade available yet, but the flight is more than a week away. Will the paid upgrade be available later? Is TK still "calculating" demand for Business. How does TK decide to offer paid upgrades or not.

I've never done Y to C paid upgrades. It is usually too steep on JFK-IST ($1300-$1500 one way).
If you don't mind me asking, how much was the upgrade on IST-ICN? Thanks.

TK787 wrote:

1g wrote:

Curious as to how TK's paid business upgrade offer works, anyone here have experience with paid upgrades?

Upgraded my IST-ICN flight day before the flight using paid upgrade (Through the website by looking up my reservation). My return flight does not have the option for paid upgrade available yet, but the flight is more than a week away. Will the paid upgrade be available later? Is TK still "calculating" demand for Business. How does TK decide to offer paid upgrades or not.

I've never done Y to C paid upgrades. It is usually too steep on JFK-IST ($1300-$1500 one way).
If you don't mind me asking, how much was the upgrade on IST-ICN? Thanks.

$600 one-way. Demand on IST-ICN isn't too high at the moment (Around ~40-50% full on my flight is my guess), which is my guess as to why the upgrade was a good deal. I am just hoping for the same deal on the return flight lol.

Freebird Europe (Malta AOC) will base an aircraft in Paderborn Germany on behalf of TUI with service to Palma de Mallorca, Crete, Kos, Rhodes, Gran Canaria, Burgas and Feuerte Ventura durring 2022.

TC–SOJ, another Boeing 737–8 MAX msn/ln 61201 /7586 was handed over to SunExpress
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/tc-soj

For all those knowledgeable people out there, how is this currency situation affecting TK?
If I understand it correctly, Turkish Lira lost about 40% of its value against the US dollar in the last two months.
From what I can see, TK gets 90% of its revenue in USD and Euros.
TK's expenses are 70% USD and Euros + 25% Turkish Lira.
So, this is somewhat helping TK's bottom line?
Thanks.

The schedule of our flights on TK has been modified minimally which is completely ok. TK wants my seller to confirm the new schedule, but I cannot reach my seller (don't buy your tickets at cheaptickets.ch). Called TK three times in total, twice in Switzerland, once in Germany. The automated welcome message is as follows:
In German: Welcome to TK blablabla
In English: For English press 1
In Turkish: For Turkish press 2
In French: For French press 3

I don't care about the language, but shouldn't a native language be offered, particularly when the welcome message is in that native language? Then somehow the agents spoke German with me, but only very basic, almost impossible to communicate. The importance of communications cannot be underestimated. If such basic problems are still undetected or uncared with their call centres, nobody shall tell me, that TK is managed at a high degree of professionalism.

Turkish350XWB wrote:

The schedule of our flights on TK has been modified minimally which is completely ok.

Maybe you remember, this happened to me few times recently.
If a time change happens, TK gives you the option to: Confirm, Change Flight or Cancel.
Simple enough and you should be able to do this online
Not so easy
I wrote a complaint under feedback (Contact us) at TK website.
This was the only time, I got a call from Miles and Smiles within hours.
What they told me is not comforting at all;
"If this happens in the future, a time change on your future flight; just email us at Miles and Smiles and we will take care of it".
I totally understand you. These are very simple tasks and should be completed online. It is not rocket science.

TK787 wrote:

For all those knowledgeable people out there, how is this currency situation affecting TK?
If I understand it correctly, Turkish Lira lost about 40% of its value against the US dollar in the last two months.
From what I can see, TK gets 90% of its revenue in USD and Euros.
TK's expenses are 70% USD and Euros + 25% Turkish Lira.
So, this is somewhat helping TK's bottom line?
Thanks.

If past experience is an example, a weaker TL helps TK and improves profits.

Of course now with a pandemic, large traffic swings, who knows, but so long as TK maintains its foreign currency revenue base while still paying for a good percentage of its cost in TL, it should benefit.

TK787 wrote:

Turkish350XWB wrote:

The schedule of our flights on TK has been modified minimally which is completely ok.

These are very simple tasks and should be completed online. It is not rocket science.

They are not the first company on earth to have a call center... Someone is clearly not doing his/her job. I am not saying that everything is perfect with other airlines, but at least such basic things such as a welcome message that makes sense, follows a logic, and personnell that can communicate at a proper level of language should have been fixed for a long time. This you expect from a new regional airline, not from a giant spending dozens of millions each year for advertisement. These things can be fixed in short time with little effort and invest. That is the problem, when people get jobs for the sake of connections rather qualifications...

To be fair, on a recent TK call center conversation, I had to stop and compliment the person on the other side for her incredible communication skills. She had such a good control of the language and explained everything fluently, correctly and pleasantly. I guess; it is a hit or miss

TK787 wrote:

To be fair, on a recent TK call center conversation, I had to stop and compliment the person on the other side for her incredible communication skills. She had such a good control of the language and explained everything fluently, correctly and pleasantly. I guess; it is a hit or miss

No doubt there is also good personnel