Turkish Airlines plans 20% Asia-Pacific expansion

Murat Seker told Nikkei Asia that the airline operates across 133 countries and 358 destinations, with current efforts focused on accelerating growth in China. Turkish Airlines has added 10 flights to reach 42 weekly services this year, with existing traffic rights permitting expansion to 49 flights. Services to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have been increased ahead of schedule, while flights to Chengdu are set to launch in November and Urumqi services are also planned.

Revenue growth amid regional tensions

The carrier redirected wide-body capacity to high-demand markets including Japan, China, Australia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam following Middle East tensions, adding 58 weekly passenger flights and 61 cargo services. Second-quarter revenue rose 20.5% year-on-year to $7.2 billion, with passenger revenue climbing 15% and cargo revenue surging 58%. First-half total revenue reached $13.1 billion despite $1.3 billion in additional jet fuel costs due to Middle East tensions, with total conflict-related spending reaching approximately $2.1 billion.

Asia surpasses Europe in revenue share

Asian routes now account for 32% of total revenue, up five percentage points and surpassing Europe's 27% share, while Asia's portion of total passenger traffic increased from 10% to 12%. Passenger traffic between Africa and Asia jumped 70%, and Eastern Europe-Asia traffic rose 40% due to shorter transit routes via Russian airspace. The expanded network grew the carrier's customer base by around 5% with new passengers and increased market share by approximately one percentage point in the second quarter.

Japan growth and Australia plans

Turkish Airlines aims to increase its current 25 weekly flights to Japan using newly acquired traffic rights in Singapore and Vietnam, while Japanese investors currently cover about 20% of aircraft leasing needs having financed over 100 aircraft worth around $9 billion over the past two decades. The airline also plans to start nonstop flights to Sydney and Melbourne in 2028, supported by expected revenue from long-haul Premium Economy cabins. The flag carrier is additionally seeking global joint ventures with potential 30-50% stakes across Asian and South American operations, cargo services and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul operations.