Turkish Airlines Receives First Boeing 777 Freighter

Turkish Airlines recently had a Boeing 777 Freighter delivered, which is the first of two 777 Freighters the airline has on order for this year.

“The delivery of our first 777 Freighter is a milestone event in our cargo business,” said M. İlker Aycı, chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines.

Turkish Cargo, a sub-brand of Turkish Airlines, has increased the freighter destinations served from 55 to 73 from the beginning of this year, reaching approximately 1 million tons of cargo, which is up by 29 percent compared to the same period in 2016.

“It is surely beyond doubt that this is a remarkable success. We’re sure that this significant delivery, which will bring great value to our rapidly growing cargo operations, will also enable our leading sub-brand to further compete, expand and reach new short and long-range destinations from our hub in Istanbul,” Ayci added.

According to an announcement, the 777 Freighter, the world’s longest-range-twin-engine freighter, is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 112 tons (102 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg).

“This aircraft’s range capability, combined with its enhanced cargo capacity, makes it a perfect airplane for Turkish Airlines to continue to profitably grow its global cargo service,” said Marty Bentrott, senior vice president of sales of Boeing Commercial Airplanes for Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia and Africa.

Based in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines carries over 60 million passengers a year, with direct flights to 300 destinations in 120 countries. The fleet of the carrier, including cargo aircraft, is expected to reach 500 aircraft by the end of 2023.