TK In Talks For 10 A380s

B8887 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:40 pm

Link:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/...rbus-turkish-idUSL6N0V537R20150126

B8887

Armodeen · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:44 pm

Oh man this thread is going to go nuclear

817Dreamliiner · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:47 pm

Would be nice to see this happen. Hope it gets finalized.

A388 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:47 pm

Seems like this topic is coming up (several times) every year. I guess an actual order will take away the doubts on TK ordering the A380. From a spotter's perspective I think that the A380 will look nice in TK colors.

A388

rotating14 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:48 pm

Quoting Armodeen (Reply 1):
Oh man this thread is going to go nuclear

Took the words right out of my mouth. If this does through, it'll give the program a boost. I'm curious is the cabin layout will be conducive to it really making money. I'm curious what other planes were involved n the RFP.

toxtethogrady · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:51 pm

I guess they must be anticipating having an airport in Istanbul that can fit the airplane.

EPA001 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:53 pm

Quoting Armodeen (Reply 1):
Oh man this thread is going to go nuclear

There should be no reason for that.

. But on the other hand, this is A-net and is about the A380......

But a possible order for 10 or more A380's would be a massive boost to the A380 program. Even it is "just 10 or more". Because a fast growing airline like TK holds promises for more. Let's hope this possible order comes to fruition.

Turkish350XWB · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:55 pm

So it is for the CEO and not the NEO which still does not exist.

jumpjet · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:56 pm

If TK are indeed serious about making IST a global hub, buying A380s should just be a matter of time. It looks like TK could be following EK's lead. With the large number of Turkish expats living across the world too, it could really work couldn't it?

Discuss......

EPA001 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:57 pm

Quoting toxtethogrady (Reply 5):
I guess they must be anticipating having an airport in Istanbul that can fit the airplane.

Work on the new mega-airport near Istanbul has started, so yes, they are planning ahead in Turkey.

Boeing778X · Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:58 pm

Quoting Armodeen (Reply 1):
Oh man this thread is going to go nuclear

Stitch · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:00 pm

Quoting toxtethogrady (Reply 5):
I guess they must be anticipating having an airport in Istanbul that can fit the airplane.

Istanbul New Airport is under construction and stage one is scheduled for completion in 2017, which is around when TK could expect their first deliveries (and IST can handle a few A380s via remote stands as TK gets up to speed operating the type).

JU068 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:02 pm

If they do get them, I wonder if they might dispatch them some European destinations or even to TLV where they currently have 8 daily flights, some even operated by widebodies.

vfw614 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:06 pm

Quoting JU068 (Reply 12):
or even to TLV where they currently have 8 daily flights, some even operated by widebodies.

Interesting bit of information. Surprised that TLV is so busy, given that Turkish - Israeli relations have somewhat soured in the past couple of years. I would have thought that many Israeli customers are somewhat touchy when chosing their airline and would rather go for a detour via a European hub than choose a connection in a country (or rather, its leadership) that has become less and less friendly towards Israel.

PlymSpotter · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:10 pm

Completely unsurprised by this, it was always just a matter of them firming up the opening if IST's new airport.

Dan

AirlineCritic · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:12 pm

This thread should NOT go nuclear. Do NOT insert any of the usual silliness in this thread.

It fits perfectly to the TK model to use large aircraft. Indeed, if they intend to emulate the Emirates hub model they probably have to grow, and want to grow. I believe they are one of the large airlines that would have the ability to fill the largest planes. If their wildest expansion dreams come true, this airline could be another entity that needs a lot of large aircraft. The future is interesting!

But of course, the A380 isn't the only possible aircraft for them, so they do have multiple options. But it is probably a good time to talk to Airbus about a deal, both price and availability-wise. And TK has been in talks about this before. We do not know how true the news are this time, and if anything will actually be signed. We'll just have to wait. And it is just 10 aircraft, so in the overall scheme of things it is a small thing.

So settle down, everybody... I'm keeping my fingers crossed but not holding my breath yet.

Turkish350XWB · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:18 pm

Quoting AirlineCritic (Reply 15):
This thread should NOT go nuclear. Do NOT insert any of the usual silliness in this thread.

So you are proposing that we should not post silly stuff as usual but take you as an example in posting intellectual stuff?

adamh8297 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:23 pm

JFK-IST and LAX-IST would have to be potential TK A380 routes.

JU068 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:30 pm

Quoting adamh8297 (Reply 17):

JFK-IST and LAX-IST would have to be potential TK A380 routes.

I think BKK was also mentioned as a potential A380 destination.

MD80Nut · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:33 pm

I hope it happens, the A380 program needs orders badly (quite the understatement, I know

).

Given how TK is looking to emulate the EK model in Turkey, it makes a lot of sense. I hope this is the beginning of a trend.

Cheers, Ralph

[Edited 2015-01-26 09:34:58]

Matt6461 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:43 pm

They didn't say who the negotiating partner is. I wonder if this is for some of Amedeo's 20 frames. Amedeo might be a "motivated lessor" at this stage. It would make sense for TK to have a dozen A380s.

hilram · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:48 pm

Finally! There has been talks about a VLA airplane for TK for so long, I was really getting impatient!

AirlineCritic · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:48 pm

Quoting Turkish350XWB (Reply 16):
So you are proposing that we should not post silly stuff as usual but take you as an example in posting intellectual stuff?

:D

Of course not. I'm likely posting silly things, too. Feel free to blast me for my silly thoughts.

But the background is of course that there is a lot of (IMHO) repetitive unnecessary stuff, often downright wrong things in the A380 threads. Just my opinion, of course. I am merely hoping that we could perhaps discuss the TK negotiations and their likely outcome, not repeat all the arguments that have played out in the other threads.

Cheers

DTWPurserBoy · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:50 pm

Quoting adamh8297 (Reply 17):
JFK-IST

JFK-IST is a natural for TK to make a big success. Also IST-ORD. DL has to take a weight penalty frequently on the IST-JFK portion and is notorious for bumping non-revs.

There is a huge expat Turkish market in central Europe, particularly London and Frankfurt.

Those white tail Skymark airplanes could be transformed to meet TK's needs in a matter of months.

Wish TK well--

AF022 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:58 pm

Doesn't TK have relatively low density seating? I don't think many (any?) A380 operators have 2-class configurations (yet?). I would think then that the A380 would have a huge increase in capacity over their largest aircraft now.

Any guesses as to where the A380 would go? Maybe BKK, JFK or NRT?

YXXMIKE · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:05 pm

As a thought; before TK take on a fairly substantial aircraft like the A380 maybe they should consider upgrading their IT systems and customer service centers so they can match the demand. Right now both are terrible and are certainly not business traveler friendly!

Otherwise, another 4 engine whale! I'm all for it!

Prost · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:09 pm

Turkish strikes me as one of the logical carriers to order the A380, far more so than the likes of Skymark or Malaysian were.

phxa340 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:10 pm

It's about time ... Good for TK as well as the A380 program. Dying to know what config they will use though.

hilram · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:18 pm

Quoting AF022 (Reply 24):
Doesn't TK have relatively low density seating? I don't think many (any?) A380 operators have 2-class configurations (yet?). I would think then that the A380 would have a huge increase in capacity over their largest aircraft now.

I think you want to replace the word "low" with "high". No first class. In fact, F is banned from operating out of IST. So a 2-class layout it will be. My bet: At least 600 pax.

MrHMSH · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:20 pm

It seems like the A380 may be a great fit for TK, given that they are trying to make IST a global hub for connecting traffic. It really is hard to compete against such a well placed hub airport.

You would imagine cities in the USA are the most likely destinations for the fleet, but I wouldn't mind seeing them closer to home at LHR.

Although it's only 10 orders, having another valuable customer will if nothing else get some positive news around the A380. If it turns out to be a good buy for them, there's always the possibility of more.

Ab345 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:21 pm

Quoting JU068 (Reply 12):
European destinations

Quoting JU068 (Reply 12):
operated by widebodies.

IST ATH is about a 50 minute trip ( 290nm, 334 miles) and currently gets 3 dailies from TK alone. The morning slot gets an A333/343/332 and the later ones A32X or even an extra A330/343, and from this summer on, the morning slot will get a 77W Wow!

UALWN · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:21 pm

Quoting YXXMIKE (Reply 25):
hey should consider upgrading their IT systems and customer service centers so they can match the demand. Right now both are terrible and are certainly not business traveler friendly!

I fully agree. While TK's service on board is top notch and their lounge at IST is to die for, their phone operation is in a shambles and their web page very primitive.

Stitch · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:23 pm

Quoting Matt6461 (Reply 20):
They didn't say who the negotiating partner is. I wonder if this is for some of Amedeo's 20 frames. Amedeo might be a "motivated lessor" at this stage.

Past discussions have been about a direct purchase, not an operating lease.

Quoting AF022 (Reply 24):
Doesn't TK have relatively low density seating?

Yes, so we're probably talking around 600 seats (mostly Economy).

Quoting AF022 (Reply 24):
I don't think many (any?) A380 operators have 2-class configurations (yet?).

EK's first two-class A380 (617 seat) should be coming along shortly, I believe.

TWA772LR · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:38 pm

My old TK boss said IAH was on the A380 list.

na · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:39 pm

I hope its true, finally.

Quoting YXXMIKE (Reply 25):
Otherwise, another 4 engine whale! I'm all for it!

Yes. Fight the growing 77W boredom!

INFINITI329 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:40 pm

Quoting DTWPurserBoy (Reply 23):
DL has to take a weight penalty frequently on the IST-JFK portion and is notorious for bumping non-revs.

Whats the normal equipment for DL on IST-JFK?

AAMDanny · Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:19 pm

I wonder if Airbus would throw in the two SkyMark A380's that are sat on the ground doing nothing at a bargain price? :P

The A388 would make sense for TK especially since they are sizing up as a decent competitor to the ME3.

bunumuring · Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:39 pm

Turkish and the A380 seem a natural fit. The ex-Skymark A380s seem a natural fit, even if they are a short term thing until the 'real' Turkish A380s arrive, ready for the new Istanbul airport in a few years' time.
Cheers,
Bunumuring.

MIflyer12 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:42 pm

This summer the schedule is showing a 333 instead of the 767-300 that has been on the route for much of the last 15 years. It's too early think think of DL's summer '15 flying as fully locked in.

Miami · Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:53 pm

Quoting Armodeen (Reply 1):
Oh man this thread is going to go nuclear

I'm ready!

Quoting 817Dreamliiner (Reply 2):
Would be nice to see this happen. Hope it gets finalized.

Quoting 817Dreamliiner (Reply 2):
Seems like this topic is coming up (several times) every year.

Quoting adamh8297 (Reply 17):
JFK-IST and LAX-IST would have to be potential TK A380 routes.

I'd say yes.

Quoting TWA772LR (Reply 33):
My old TK boss said IAH was on the A380 list.

Was? Why would their be a list if there isn't any ordered?

Whatever the case may be. I sure hope Turkish agrees to take 10 A380s.

lhrnue · Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:56 pm

Quoting EPA001 (Reply 9):
Work on the new mega-airport near Istanbul has started, so yes, they are planning ahead in Turkey.

Yes. And they fly to 13 destinations in Germany alone. Something EK is dreaming about. With this they are also a real LH competitor on all Asian routes.
To operate 10 A380 should be no problem for TK whatsoever. They question is, is Turkey staying on track and grow airline and airport as planned. At they moment it seems they will.

aviationaware · Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:10 pm

Quoting lhrnue (Reply 40):
With this they are also a real LH competitor on all Asian routes.

Up to this point, TK's vastly inferior product offering has deterred a major movement of passengers from LH to TK.

LAXintl · Mon Jan 26, 2015 10:03 pm

Quoting AviationAware (Reply 41):
Up to this point, TK's vastly inferior product offering has deterred a major movement of passengers from LH to TK.

Yes its so inferior that TK Miles & Smiles has to most program members in Germany outside of Turkey, and its so inferior that LH had to pull its code-shares and mileage accumulation on TK flights as so many of its clients opted to utilize TK instead.

But yes its 'vastly inferior' somehow

ikramerica · Mon Jan 26, 2015 10:16 pm

This makes sense for TK but the rumor has also been circulating for years. I think Airbus is always "in talks" with large hub carriers about A380s. That's how you sell anything.

29erUSA187 · Mon Jan 26, 2015 10:19 pm

I wonder if TK could lease the Amadeo frames that just got postponed? It would certainly save both Amadeo and Airbus alot of grief!

mict · Mon Jan 26, 2015 10:30 pm

Quoting AviationAware (Reply 41):

Quoting AviationAware (Reply 41):

Quoting lhrnue (Reply 40):
With this they are also a real LH competitor on all Asian routes.

Up to this point, TK's vastly inferior product offering has deterred a major movement of passengers from LH to TK.

I fly LH and TK quite often and I will choose TK over LH anyday if I can. LH's long-haul J seat is not consistant and I hate finding myself in their old not flat bed seats. Plus the food has always been meh. (Regularly flying DTW-FRA)

Vladex · Mon Jan 26, 2015 10:33 pm

Australia here we come ?
But yeah , I see them doing this just for E. Asia and few N.American places . For example they fly 10 times weekly to Seoul and I am sure they could reduce it to a daily with A380.

L0VE2FLY · Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:21 pm

Good for the A380 program & TK. Airbus will probably give them a good deal on the BC birds.

Quoting hilram (Reply 28):
I think you want to replace the word "low" with "high". No first class. In fact, F is banned from operating out of IST. So a 2-class layout it will be. My bet: At least 600 pax.

Banned?! Never heard of an airport banning a certain class before, is it a measure to protect TK at its home base like India's now-expired ban on the A380 operations?

Quoting Vladex (Reply 46):
Australia here we come ?

The only aircraft that can do IST-SYD/MEL non-stop would be the 77L with a payload hit. TK should fly to Australia via DPS or HKT if they can get traffic rights, both destinations are very popular with Australian & European tourists.

aviationaware · Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:23 pm

Quoting LAXintl (Reply 42):
TK Miles & Smiles has to most program members in Germany outside of Turkey

Tough deal. Germany has the largest Turkish diaspora in the world, any other reality than that you described would be shocking for TK.

Quoting Mict (Reply 45):
Plus the food has always been meh.

TK's food is far worse of late. It used to be good and was hyped, but today you can't seriously compare it to anything LH dishes out.

Additionally, TK has extremely inconsistent service levels, their ground service is abysmal (how much of it is attributable to their less than optimal airport we will see when they get a better one) and their planes too often shabby, worn and badly air conditioned.
One of the few reasons to chose TK as of now is their excellent network in Africa. The rest is regulated with pricing.

mffoda · Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:14 am

There is a update to the OP's reuters link...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/...&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews

"A senior executive at the airline said last week it was considering expanding its fleet and was studying a list of Airbus and Boeing models including the A380."

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