If all goes according to plan, Turkish Airlines will become a member of the 16-strong Star Alliance in the next 16 months. The Istanbul-based carrier has been accepted for membership and now has to start integrating its systems with the others.
It means that members of any Star FFP (frequent flyer programme) will have another option for earning and redeeming mileage. For example, once Turkish becomes a member travellers from the UK will be able to earn points on non-stop flights to Istanbul whereas now they would have to take Austrian via Vienna or Lufthansa via Frankfurt. It also means that Star members will be able to offer easier connections at Istanbul for domestic cities within Turkey.
Turkish operates a 100-strong fleet comprised of narrow-bodied B737-800s and Airbus A320s which are used on short and medium-haul routes. On longer routes flights are operated with wide-bodied A330s and A340s.
The carrier operates with a two-class business and economy layout. It flies to destinations in Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf, Central Asia, the Far East and US.
For more information go to turkishairlines.com, staralliance.com.
Reported by Alex McWhirter
