Turkish Airlines' general manager for Serbia, Mehmet Alagoz, stated in an interview that TK is directly helping in promoting Serbia as a tourist destination. He specifically referred to today's inauguration of non-stop flights between IKA and BEG when he stressed that Turkish Airlines will offer special six day package holidays (€500) for Iranian tourists wishing to visit Serbia. TK plans on bringing over 1.000 Iranians during the three summer months. Mr Alagoz lived in Iran for five years where he worked for TK.

Serbia abolished the visa regime with Iran a few months ago and this summer there will be three airlines flying between BEG and IKA offering six weekly frequencies.

He also spoke about rising numbers of Turkish tourists to Serbia. Last year there were close to 100.000 of them. This February alone numbers jumped by 42% to some 4.500.

This summer there will be 27 weekly flights between Belgrade and Istanbul. TK requested to start flying the A332 at least once a day to Belgrade but their request was denied.

TK787 wrote:

TK773ER wrote:

I also wonder if out of the 25 for Airbus some ULR models for Australia ?

AFAIK, there is only one airline interested in 359 ULR, correct me if I'm wrong. And also IIRC, there are about 250 seats. Not sure if this will be profitable at all for TK.

That only airline interested in/ordered the359ULR is SQ. They will utilise this 7 frame strong sub-fleet for nonstop flights between SIN-LAX and SIN-EWR (over the Pole) routes. When the inventory reaches full 7 frames, they are planning for two daily EWR flights and one LAX. What is known for sure: these 359ULR frames will have a two class cabin, but there will neither be any F or Y class cabins, which leaves a dual class of Business and Premium Economy cabin setup. The exact config and seat types are still a closely guarded secret, on SQ's side. Depending on the J and W class seats' ratio, it is expected these planes will have between 225-250 seats in total plus (hopefully) a fridgebox for any deceased pax during the flight (as there was one aboard the 345s used on this route by SQ formerly...)

So far, it's unconfirmed that Qantas might be interested in the 359/359ULR at all; they seem to be happy & content with their 789 program, which will enable them for MEL-PER-LHR (PER to LHR, nonstop) route in a less dense (AFAIK, 3 class, not having F) cabin layout.

As of today 359ULR is the only civil passenger plane that can cover TK for those non-stop IST-SYD/MEL nonstop flights with MTOW. Exact cabin config of TK (for the 359) is still not disclosed. It should be around 300 (this depends a bit on the business cabin layout: will it be today's luxury standard of 1-2-1, or will it still be less favorable 2-2-2?). If there will be any 359ULR orders, possibly the same cabin capacity can be preserved...

The other option is that TK waits until the availability of the forthcoming 777-800, which will have a higher cargo payload capacity than 359ULR, fuel efficiency being more or less identical.

If TK can do with a 280-300 total, then there may not be a definite reason why they should wait for the 359ULR (or alternatively for a 359 utilisation with blocked seats, that will drop the pax. load possibly under 250...). They can start using the current 77Ws with some seats blocked on both ways (say again going down to 290-300 pax, limiting the J Cabin to max. 42 pax. and limiting the Y cabin to around 250. The only disadvantage will be that 77W is going to be less fuel efficient than the 359/359ULR.

I still haven't understood the reasons why TK does not start non-stop Aussie service with 77W using a lower TOW configuration (seats blocked method). AFAIK, in the meanwhile, the bi-laterals have sightly improved: now TK can fly 7 flights a week to Australia, rather than the previous agreement for 5.

Blerg wrote:

Turkish Airlines' general manager for Serbia, Mehmet Alagoz, stated in an interview that TK is directly helping in promoting Serbia as a tourist destination. He specifically referred to today's inauguration of non-stop flights between IKA and BEG when he stressed that Turkish Airlines will offer special six day package holidays (€500) for Iranian tourists wishing to visit Serbia. TK plans on bringing over 1.000 Iranians during the three summer months. Mr Alagoz lived in Iran for five years where he worked for TK.

Serbia abolished the visa regime with Iran a few months ago and this summer there will be three airlines flying between BEG and IKA offering six weekly frequencies.

He also spoke about rising numbers of Turkish tourists to Serbia. Last year there were close to 100.000 of them. This February alone numbers jumped by 42% to some 4.500.

This summer there will be 27 weekly flights between Belgrade and Istanbul. TK requested to start flying the A332 at least once a day to Belgrade but their request was denied.

TK may also be in a good position to help Indian tourists get to Serbia, as Serbian visa requirement for Indians was also lifted alongside Iranians?

What with the lighting system for first runway at INA being operational a few days back, I am eagerly awaiting first flight. Does anyone know when first flight is scheduled? Or has it happened already and I have somehow missed it?

globetrotter94 wrote:

Blerg wrote:

Turkish Airlines' general manager for Serbia, Mehmet Alagoz, stated in an interview that TK is directly helping in promoting Serbia as a tourist destination. He specifically referred to today's inauguration of non-stop flights between IKA and BEG when he stressed that Turkish Airlines will offer special six day package holidays (€500) for Iranian tourists wishing to visit Serbia. TK plans on bringing over 1.000 Iranians during the three summer months. Mr Alagoz lived in Iran for five years where he worked for TK.

Serbia abolished the visa regime with Iran a few months ago and this summer there will be three airlines flying between BEG and IKA offering six weekly frequencies.

He also spoke about rising numbers of Turkish tourists to Serbia. Last year there were close to 100.000 of them. This February alone numbers jumped by 42% to some 4.500.

This summer there will be 27 weekly flights between Belgrade and Istanbul. TK requested to start flying the A332 at least once a day to Belgrade but their request was denied.

TK may also be in a good position to help Indian tourists get to Serbia, as Serbian visa requirement for Indians was also lifted alongside Iranians?

That is correct however I think TK being heavily restricted in India might be an issue.

What are the reasons the first 787 delivery is in 2023 besides "Republic’s 100th year.”? Why wait 5 years?

djxxa wrote:

What are the reasons the first 787 delivery is in 2023 besides "Republic’s 100th year.”? Why wait 5 years?

Where did you get that idea? 1st 787 arriving in 2019. TK will receive 6 frames in 2019. 1st A350 in 2020.

globetrotter94 wrote:

What with the lighting system for first runway at INA being operational a few days back, I am eagerly awaiting first flight. Does anyone know when first flight is scheduled? Or has it happened already and I have somehow missed it?

Awaiting EASA certification and fight checks. Was to be performed in Feb, but I guess they are running a little behind.

mercure1 wrote:

Where did you get that idea? 1st 787 arriving in 2019. TK will receive 6 frames in 2019. 1st A350 in 2020.

Indeed.

Planned deliveries including if options are exercised:
2019 - 6
2020 - 14
2021 - 10
2022 - 12
2023 - 11
2024 - 7

mercure1 wrote:

djxxa wrote:

What are the reasons the first 787 delivery is in 2023 besides "Republic’s 100th year.”? Why wait 5 years?

Where did you get that idea? 1st 787 arriving in 2019. TK will receive 6 frames in 2019. 1st A350 in 2020.

Based on a quote, can't find the article anymore. it was something along the lines of ' adding the 787 to our expanding fleet in 2023......Republic’s 100th year.', which seemed odd.

mercure1 wrote:

djxxa wrote:

What are the reasons the first 787 delivery is in 2023 besides "Republic’s 100th year.”? Why wait 5 years?

Where did you get that idea? 1st 787 arriving in 2019. TK will receive 6 frames in 2019. 1st A350 in 2020.

2019 4 B789 + 2 A359
First B789 in June 2019, First A359 in November 2019.

Btw TK will use them first on domestic routes for training.

Yakamoz wrote:

mercure1 wrote:

djxxa wrote:

What are the reasons the first 787 delivery is in 2023 besides "Republic’s 100th year.”? Why wait 5 years?

Where did you get that idea? 1st 787 arriving in 2019. TK will receive 6 frames in 2019. 1st A350 in 2020.

2019 4 B789 + 2 A359
First B789 in June 2019, First A359 in November 2019.

Btw TK will use them first on domestic routes for training.

Wow... 2019 is pretty soon. I guess they will no longer be requiring QR's "surplus" Dreamliners as an interim measure, as we were postulating on this thread a few months back.

globetrotter94 wrote:

Yakamoz wrote:

mercure1 wrote:

Where did you get that idea? 1st 787 arriving in 2019. TK will receive 6 frames in 2019. 1st A350 in 2020.

2019 4 B789 + 2 A359
First B789 in June 2019, First A359 in November 2019.

Btw TK will use them first on domestic routes for training.

Wow... 2019 is pretty soon. I guess they will no longer be requiring QR's "surplus" Dreamliners as an interim measure, as we were postulating on this thread a few months back.

I don't why but in another webpage there was 1 or 2 people saying the first plane is coming this summer. Maybe because of this QR birds?

I am also interested if TK is looking on Etihad's 5 A332F.

Can someone please summarize the flights on TK's list?

Saludos,
Alex

Looks like Emirates will switch into A380 for IST once new airport opens, I wonder which airlines will serve IST with A380 and B747, any rumors??

If anyone is interesting in seeing updates with pictures on the new airport, someone is frequently posting pictures over on Flyertalk: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/turkish ... st29524960

Good stuff over there!

ankaraflyjet wrote:

Looks like Emirates will switch into A380 for IST once new airport opens, I wonder which airlines will serve IST with A380 and B747, any rumors??

Do you have a source for this?

abrelosojos wrote:

Can someone please summarize the flights on TK's list?

Saludos,
Alex

Do you mean new destinations?

Reporting on board of TK3; IST-JFK. TC-JOJ; a 2 yrs old A333, taking us over the pond today with 28J/240Y pax. Besides few bumps, all is good

TK787 wrote:

Reporting on board of TK3; IST-JFK. TC-JOJ; a 2 yrs old A333, taking us over the pond today with 28J/240Y pax. Besides few bumps, all is good

OMG Business class full house
Nearly %93 LF for this flight, very good!
Have a nice flight, TK787.

ankaraflyjet wrote:

Looks like Emirates will switch into A380 for IST once new airport opens, I wonder which airlines will serve IST with A380 and B747, any rumors??

They may, for the "matter of prestige" but I think only for a few of their flights to IST. Not for all...

Some time ago their GM for Turkey had mentioned some comment like this...

https://www.reuters.com/article/ryanair ... SL8N1QX4SO

Looks like Ryanair is coming to Turkey on a seasonal basis.
I guess they're testing the waters.

Yakamoz wrote:

TK787 wrote:

Reporting on board of TK3; IST-JFK. TC-JOJ; a 2 yrs old A333, taking us over the pond today with 28J/240Y pax. Besides few bumps, all is good

OMG Business class full house
Nearly %93 LF for this flight, very good!
Have a nice flight, TK787.

Back in NYC.
Correction: Talked to the purser later and the Y pax number was 248, not 240. 11 FA's on board including the Flying Chef. And having a full J class creates its problems on A333 on a 11 hour flight. Not enough room to prepare all that food/trays and courses; except the Front Galley, that tiny bar area near the first row and they share the Second Galley with the Economy Service trays and such. Add to that; newspaper service, turn down service, people having layers of coats due to cold weather in NYC....The crew ran out of room very fast and had a hard time keeping up with the service.
-For a change the J pax was more in line with other airlines Business traveller profile. More American Business pax this time around, only two Turkish couples. At one time looking from my seat, I could see 7 screens that were turned off and stayed off most of the flight, including the Business gentleman next to me, who was texting all flight long. Some ladies were typing away like crazy most of the flight.
-Another note: Picking up my suitcase ( mine was 20 mins late for some reason), first came the Priority Luggage bunch and not kidding there were close to 80 of them and only few transfers tags on them So, most Business/Elite pax originating at IST, right?

TK787 wrote:

Yakamoz wrote:

TK787 wrote:

Reporting on board of TK3; IST-JFK. TC-JOJ; a 2 yrs old A333, taking us over the pond today with 28J/240Y pax. Besides few bumps, all is good

OMG Business class full house
Nearly %93 LF for this flight, very good!
Have a nice flight, TK787.

Back in NYC.
Correction: Talked to the purser later and the Y pax number was 248, not 240. 11 FA's on board including the Flying Chef. And having a full J class creates its problems on A333 on a 11 hour flight. Not enough room to prepare all that food/trays and courses; except the Front Galley, that tiny bar area near the first row and they share the Second Galley with the Economy Service trays and such. Add to that; newspaper service, turn down service, people having layers of coats due to cold weather in NYC....The crew ran out of room very fast and had a hard time keeping up with the service.
-For a change the J pax was more in line with other airlines Business traveller profile. More American Business pax this time around, only two Turkish couples. At one time looking from my seat, I could see 7 screens that were turned off and stayed off most of the flight, including the Business gentleman next to me, who was texting all flight long. Some ladies were typing away like crazy most of the flight.
-Another note: Picking up my suitcase ( mine was 20 mins late for some reason), first came the Priority Luggage bunch and not kidding there were close to 80 of them and only few transfers tags on them So, most Business/Elite pax originating at IST, right?

Seems very stressful flight for the crew today. 248, better than thought. How we can texting 11 hours, incredible. 80 suitcase? Wow. Amazing. Is there only clothes?
Thanks for sharing.

https://www.airlinehaber.com/emiratesin ... -bekliyor/

Sorry in Turkish only

aldrigsomandre wrote:

ankaraflyjet wrote:

Looks like Emirates will switch into A380 for IST once new airport opens, I wonder which airlines will serve IST with A380 and B747, any rumors??

Do you have a source for this?

TK787 wrote:

For a change the J pax was more in line with other airlines Business traveller profile. More American Business pax this time around, only two Turkish couples. At one time looking from my seat, I could see 7 screens that were turned off and stayed off most of the flight, including the Business gentleman next to me, who was texting all flight long. Some ladies were typing away like crazy most of the flight.

What would you say is the typical profile of a TK business class passenger? I have flown a couple times and have not found any sort of pattern.

globetrotter94 wrote:

TK787 wrote:

For a change the J pax was more in line with other airlines Business traveller profile. More American Business pax this time around, only two Turkish couples. At one time looking from my seat, I could see 7 screens that were turned off and stayed off most of the flight, including the Business gentleman next to me, who was texting all flight long. Some ladies were typing away like crazy most of the flight.

What would you say is the typical profile of a TK business class passenger? I have flown a couple times and have not found any sort of pattern.

Hello there, I don't think I can make a broad assumption just by flying mostly JFK-IST and few IST-European trips.
From my experiences; IMHO, most people fly on TK Business Class (New York-IST) are not on a business trip. That is my main point.
I used to see older American couples going on cruises, but those days are over. No major cruise lines are visiting Turkish ports for the time being.
There might be more pax in Y, flying on a business trip. (like me most of the time, since companies can not afford paying J class tickets bought last minute)
From my US friends that do work travel, I know most US companies will pay for Y+ but not J for business travel.
On TK Business Cabin, I see a lot of well to do Turkish families with their kids going on a vacation. Ex-pats going back to see family/friends on yearly vacation.
Most of the time, I never see people doing work on laptop, excel sheets.
And of course, all this comparison is based on my Business Class experience on US airlines.

ankaraflyjet wrote:

https://www.airlinehaber.com/emiratesin-dev-ucaklari-3-havalimanini-bekliyor/

Sorry in Turkish only

aldrigsomandre wrote:

ankaraflyjet wrote:

Looks like Emirates will switch into A380 for IST once new airport opens, I wonder which airlines will serve IST with A380 and B747, any rumors??

Do you have a source for this?

Thank you, I had a look at it, with my limited Turkish, got the general idea.

TK787 wrote:

globetrotter94 wrote:

TK787 wrote:

For a change the J pax was more in line with other airlines Business traveller profile. More American Business pax this time around, only two Turkish couples. At one time looking from my seat, I could see 7 screens that were turned off and stayed off most of the flight, including the Business gentleman next to me, who was texting all flight long. Some ladies were typing away like crazy most of the flight.

What would you say is the typical profile of a TK business class passenger? I have flown a couple times and have not found any sort of pattern.

Hello there, I don't think I can make a broad assumption just by flying mostly JFK-IST and few IST-European trips.
From my experiences; IMHO, most people fly on TK Business Class (New York-IST) are not on a business trip. That is my main point.
I used to see older American couples going on cruises, but those days are over. No major cruise lines are visiting Turkish ports for the time being.
There might be more pax in Y, flying on a business trip. (like me most of the time, since companies can not afford paying J class tickets bought last minute)
From my US friends that do work travel, I know most US companies will pay for Y+ but not J for business travel.
On TK Business Cabin, I see a lot of well to do Turkish families with their kids going on a vacation. Ex-pats going back to see family/friends on yearly vacation.
Most of the time, I never see people doing work on laptop, excel sheets.
And of course, all this comparison is based on my Business Class experience on US airlines.

Ah ok, I see what you mean.

Does anyone think IST-BOS-IST will be upgraded to the 77W in the future, or could we see 789'S or A359'S flying the route?

georgiabill wrote:

Does anyone think IST-BOS-IST will be upgraded to the 77W in the future, or could we see 789'S or A359'S flying the route?

It could wind up being a mix of A333/77W/789/A359 depending on the time of year. I would prefer a frequency increase more than anything in BOS - maybe a 1pm departure.

adamh8297 wrote:

georgiabill wrote:

Does anyone think IST-BOS-IST will be upgraded to the 77W in the future, or could we see 789'S or A359'S flying the route?

It could wind up being a mix of A333/77W/789/A359 depending on the time of year. I would prefer a frequency increase more than anything in BOS - maybe a 1pm departure.

Is the 77W really suitable for Boston though--especially given the route can only sustain daily flights during summer? I would think that 789 is a much better fit.

globetrotter94 wrote:

adamh8297 wrote:

georgiabill wrote:

Does anyone think IST-BOS-IST will be upgraded to the 77W in the future, or could we see 789'S or A359'S flying the route?

It could wind up being a mix of A333/77W/789/A359 depending on the time of year. I would prefer a frequency increase more than anything in BOS - maybe a 1pm departure.

Is the 77W really suitable for Boston though--especially given the route can only sustain daily flights during summer? I would think that 789 is a much better fit.

I don't think IST-BOS-IST is ready to be upgraded currently. The demand for the route is steadily growing since the coup and terrorist attacks, but I think first they need to increase winter frequency to daily on A333, and in the summer I could see the route being upgraded to a larger aircraft.

globetrotter94 wrote:

adamh8297 wrote:

georgiabill wrote:

Does anyone think IST-BOS-IST will be upgraded to the 77W in the future, or could we see 789'S or A359'S flying the route?

It could wind up being a mix of A333/77W/789/A359 depending on the time of year. I would prefer a frequency increase more than anything in BOS - maybe a 1pm departure.

Is the 77W really suitable for Boston though--especially given the route can only sustain daily flights during summer? I would think that 789 is a much better fit.

I can't answer that 100% since the only data I have is 83% Load Factor for S17 which leads me to believe there's not a lot of oversold flights. That's where the extra frequency comes in play. Having better connecting opportunities may be better for TK and BOS.

georgiabill wrote:

Does anyone think IST-BOS-IST will be upgraded to the 77W in the future, or could we see 789'S or A359'S flying the route?

I think once the new aircraft enter the fleet, we're going to to see a lot of them be utilised for the American routes.

Quick question about TK on board pets policies:
-Yesterday on TK3 there was a mid sized "service dog", not in its cage. From what I can see, the owner and the dog used the lav, and she was cleaning after the dog that probably did its business on the floor inside the lav. This was a first for me to see a dog using a lav on an airplane, and to see a dog walking inside a TK jet.
I really don't care, but what I care is this: My sister who is extremely allergic to dogs and cats will be flying TK to come visit me next month. She will need medical attention within 15 minutes being inside a plane with a dog/cat. Is there a way of finding out if there will be a dog an her flight beforehand. Any suggestions? Thanks.

TK787 wrote:

Quick question about TK on board pets policies:
-Yesterday on TK3 there was a mid sized "service dog", not in its cage. From what I can see, the owner and the dog used the lav, and she was cleaning after the dog that probably did its business on the floor inside the lav. This was a first for me to see a dog using a lav on an airplane, and to see a dog walking inside a TK jet.
I really don't care, but what I care is this: My sister who is extremely allergic to dogs and cats will be flying TK to come visit me next month. She will need medical attention within 15 minutes being inside a plane with a dog/cat. Is there a way of finding out if there will be a dog an her flight beforehand. Any suggestions? Thanks.

My cousin has the same issue. You have to call the customer service department. They're usually able to tell if there'll be a service dog on board.

I read somewhere in the news that the construction of the airport (negatively) paid its tribute to humanity. Around 400 people died during the works which I certainly believe is not quite truth. The goverment corrected this number down to 27 "only", but even one single fatality is too much!!! With the massive censoring applied in the country no wonder the public doesn't get to see such kind of news / bad media.

In our industry safety has always number 1 priority and the journey starts already on the ground. This applies to anything related including this huge construction!
I truly hope that none of the figures are truth at all, but remain highly sceptical about the overall pace, progress and anything related to that.

All the best to the new Istanbul airport . And of course to Turkish Airlines. With the new order of 787s and A350s I think we will see a lot more routes and frequencies. Looking forward to flying Turkish again next year or when the new aircraft arrive.

stylo777 wrote:

I read somewhere in the news that the construction of the airport (negatively) paid its tribute to humanity. Around 400 people died during the works which I certainly believe is not quite truth. The goverment corrected this number down to 27 "only", but even one single fatality is too much!!! With the massive censoring applied in the country no wonder the public doesn't get to see such kind of news / bad media.
.....
I truly hope that none of the figures are truth at all, but remain highly sceptical about the overall pace, progress and anything related to that.

Well you can bet that neither of these two figures are correct. Reasons why:
1) That figure of 400 is much too high,
2) That figure of 27 is incredibly too low and certainly and maliciously doctored. Because:
a) The Ministry gave figures since 1.5.2015, the date when the construction landsite was officially (bureucratically) handled over to the BOTS Consortium IGA. But earth moving and rehabilitation had already started (supposedly based on some limited "permits") since the second half of 2013. Even the foundation ceremony of the Terminal building was held on mid 2014 (with the presence of Erdogan, etc.)! We definitely know the greater portion of losses took place during this period.
b) It is highly doubtful if the losses are based on only Turkish citizens, as there has been a lot of expats in the field, again particularly during the said period.

Greetings from TK Lounge at IST. I'm on my way to AMS. Checkin agent at ESB told me that IST-AMS flight is +19 passangers overbooked. Considering the afternoon flight to AMS is an A333 and it is still overbooked, surprised me. Normally this flight used to be an A321. Let's see if TK will upguage the flight to 77W.

TK105 wrote:

Greetings from TK Lounge at IST. I'm on my way to AMS. Checkin agent at ESB told me that IST-AMS flight is +19 passangers overbooked. Considering the afternoon flight to AMS is an A333 and it is still overbooked, surprised me. Normally this flight used to be an A321. Let's see if TK will upguage the flight to 77W.

It would be very interesting to know how much pax there will be on this afternoon flight. Please let us know.

TK105 wrote:

Greetings from TK Lounge at IST. I'm on my way to AMS. Checkin agent at ESB told me that IST-AMS flight is +19 passangers overbooked. Considering the afternoon flight to AMS is an A333 and it is still overbooked, surprised me. Normally this flight used to be an A321. Let's see if TK will upguage the flight to 77W.

I am aware that overbooking is legal but I feel like it's morally wrong on so many levels.

I also wonder how many TK routes are in need of a capacity upgrade. Does anybody have an idea?

aldrigsomandre wrote:

TK105 wrote:

Greetings from TK Lounge at IST. I'm on my way to AMS. Checkin agent at ESB told me that IST-AMS flight is +19 passangers overbooked. Considering the afternoon flight to AMS is an A333 and it is still overbooked, surprised me. Normally this flight used to be an A321. Let's see if TK will upguage the flight to 77W.

I am aware that overbooking is legal but I feel like it's morally wrong on so many levels.

Yes, but isn't it the case that at least on flights to and from Europe, if overbooking happens, they have to put the passenger in a hotel and pay a certain amount? If so, doesn't sound like a bad deal to me--especially if it happens on the Istanbul side.

globetrotter94 wrote:

aldrigsomandre wrote:

TK105 wrote:

Greetings from TK Lounge at IST. I'm on my way to AMS. Checkin agent at ESB told me that IST-AMS flight is +19 passangers overbooked. Considering the afternoon flight to AMS is an A333 and it is still overbooked, surprised me. Normally this flight used to be an A321. Let's see if TK will upguage the flight to 77W.

I am aware that overbooking is legal but I feel like it's morally wrong on so many levels.

Yes, but isn't it the case that at least on flights to and from Europe, if overbooking happens, they have to put the passenger in a hotel and pay a certain amount? If so, doesn't sound like a bad deal to me--especially if it happens on the Istanbul side.

Thats ok if you dont need to be somewhere. If you had a business meeting or a wedding for example it would be less attractive.

Reporting on TK1953 to AMS, TC-JOG A333. We have an unusual west bound tail wind which reduces flight time less than 3 hours.

Now TK has internet on A330 fleet which is nice. I also liked the upgraded AVOD which is very functional. Sound system is very powerfull as well and feels like I’m at a concert hall (while listening to Made in Japan of Deep Purple). But rock section of AVOD still needs to be improved.

Loads are 40% on Business and almost 100% on Economy. I asked FA about overbooking. She said that original schedule was on an A332 and upguaged to A333 to accomodate the overbooking.

TK105 wrote:

Reporting on TK1953 to AMS, TC-JOG A333. We have an unusual west bound tail wind which reduces flight time less than 3 hours.

Now TK has internet on A330 fleet which is nice. I also liked the upgraded AVOD which is very functional. Sound system is very powerfull as well and feels like I’m at a concert hall (while listening to Made in Japan of Deep Purple). But rock section of AVOD still needs to be improved.

Loads are 40% on Business and almost 100% on Economy. I asked FA about overbooking. She said that original schedule was on an A332 and upguaged to A333 to accomodate the overbooking.

Bon Voyage!! Thanks for the update.
Just checked the aviation weather over Europe, couldn't see any tail wind, but maybe no head wind is helping your flight.
About the AVOD on TK, I hardly use it. I choose the forward camera during take off and landing and the rest of the time I keep a close eye on "My Flight". I listen to my iPhone library with my own noise cancelling headphones and surf the internet. I have tried their J headphones and they are also good.
I see a lot of movies and watch tons of TV series but this last IST-JFK flight I decided to watch "Blade Runner 2049" again; to honor Roger Deakins on his 14th Oscar nomination. It is a shame that TK blurred all female body parts. Why even bother having a film on your on board library that won the Best Cinematography Oscar this year, if you have to blur the visuals??

Here is photo from last week's IST-JFK flight:
The purser made of note of how all 3 pilots take their tea/coffee
I was about to use the lav and saw this on the galley wall, and snapped a pic secretly.

TK787 wrote:

Here is photo from last week's IST-JFK flight:
The purser made of note of how all 3 pilots take their tea/coffee
I was about to use the lav and saw this on the galley wall, and snapped a pic secretly.

Really attentive purser! It's attentiveness like this that I find most endearing about TK.

Ankara Kiev Zhulyany goes double daily from one flight a day by Pegasus from April 1st, Ukranian Airlines also continues one daily between Ankara and Kiev..wow 3 daily non-stops to a destination that was not even on the map from ESB 2 years ago...what a progress, hats off? TK is still in hibernation I guess...

TK will never let ESB-IST-XXX be replaced by ESB-XXX. ESB itself may not have the pax to fill ESB-LHR or ESB-JFK daily but I bet with well timed connections from all over central and eastern Turkey (ADA, TZX, DYR, AYT... ) it could fill planes to Europe. So IST could be TK's Intl-to-Intl connector while ESB could do Dom-to-Intl connections but too much money invested in the new airport to cannibalize traffic.