It’s been one of the worst-kept secrets, but Turkish Airlines are moving ahead with plans to add Australia to their extensive global network.
The airline will in December look to launch services to Melbourne, Australia, via Singapore Changi with a Boeing 787.
Talk of adding Australia to the network at Turkish Airlines has been a long-standing topic dating back years. However, thanks to the arrival of new aircraft and more, the airline believes 2023 is the year it can flex its muscles and begin services.
Melbourne has won the lucrative flight over arch-rival Sydney. This decision came down to numerous factors at Turkish Airlines, including the overall population of those with a Turkish background. However, the eventual goal would be to serve Sydney and Melbourne one day from Istanbul.
Initially, the flight will operate three times weekly with a stopover in Singapore so that it won’t be nonstop. However, this is an excellent indication of what’s to come as El Al also gears up to launch flights to Melbourne, Australia, in 2024.
As Melbourne Airport is a 24/7 operation, it is desirable to airlines when picking up slots. In recent months, Melbourne has heavily utilised the 10 pm/2 am timeframe to welcome several low-cost carriers from Asia, including VietJet and Cebu Pacific.
Istanbul to Melbourne will eventually be nonstop. However, that won’t be on the horizon just yet, with the primary focus on ensuring the Istanbul to Melbourne flight via Singapore can at least get up in the air.
