Last year, the number of overseas tourists was 28.69 million, matching the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. In just December, 2.72 million people traveled abroad.
As demand for overseas travel increases, airlines around the world are also trying to attract Korean tourists. In particular, Middle Eastern airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, which connect Europe and Asia, are demonstrating strengths by offering various connecting flights at reasonable prices.
At the end of last year, I took a business trip to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, using Turkish Airlines. Porto, located at the end of the Iberian Peninsula, has no direct flights from Korea, but Turkish Airlines provides connecting flights. The airline operates more than one flight a day to Lisbon and Porto, allowing passengers to choose the optimal schedule.
Turkish Airlines currently operates in 346 cities across 130 countries. It owns 456 aircraft and plans to expand to more than 800 aircraft by 2033. In terms of fleet size, it ranks in the top ten among airlines worldwide. It is particularly popular among Korean tourists seeking connecting flights to small cities in Europe, offering the most flights to Europe.
◇ 'Eurasia hub' Istanbul airport base operation
Turkish Airlines operates based on Istanbul Airport, the center of movement between continents in Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is utilizing its geopolitical advantages to build an international air network.
More than 50 countries can connect through Istanbul Airport, which plays a key role as a major gateway connecting Europe and Africa. Turkish Airlines has tightly connected its European routes not only to major cities but also to smaller ones. Connections are available to small cities such as Bologna in Italy, Valencia in Spain, and Porto in Portugal.
In addition to Europe, it operates in 62 major cities across Africa, being recognized as one of the airlines with the strongest African routes among global airlines. Approximately 60% of Turkish Airlines' transit passengers travel to Europe and Africa via Istanbul.
Given its strengths in connecting flights, Turkish Airlines aims to make the transit experience 'part of the journey.' It seeks to transform the waiting time into rest or experiences rather than fatigue. For this reason, services at the airport lounges are renowned for their world-class quality, and Korean-speaking cabin crews are always on board for flights from and to Korea.
Passengers with short transit times can relax in lounges operated by Turkish Airlines at Istanbul Airport. The lounge, especially for business class passengers, is equipped with features such as a screen golf course. For longer transit times, the 'stopover program' can be utilized. If there is a transit time of at least 20 hours, benefits include free hotel accommodation and sightseeing in Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines offers free stays at partner hotels for passengers transiting in Istanbul for at least 20 hours. Economy class passengers receive two nights at a 4-star hotel, while business class passengers enjoy three nights at a 5-star hotel along with breakfast. This applies to routes departing from Korea and does not apply if the final destination is within Turkey.
Compared to direct flights from national carriers, Turkish Airlines offers relatively cheaper prices. According to the industry, connecting flights on Turkish Airlines are, on average, 400,000 to 700,000 won cheaper than direct flights on Korean Air. Business class fares differ by 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 won. They are also generally cheaper than those of other European national carriers such as Air France.
In the business class, where reasonably priced tickets are offered, various services are provided. First, the seats are full-flat beds, allowing for complete relaxation even on long-haul flights. The meal service on board is also impressive. Turkish Airlines employs a 'flying chef' system, with professional chefs serving high-end meals to passengers. A variety of alcoholic beverages and drinks are also available. This service, known as 'fine dining in the sky,' is reputed to be the pinnacle of in-flight dining.
◇ Turkish Airlines nurtured as a national strategic industry of Turkey
Turkish Airlines is not just a private airline, but a state-owned airline. The Turkish government is fully supporting Turkish Airlines, considering the aviation industry as a driving force for national economic growth. While Turkey is developing various industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and logistics, it is focusing on cultivating the aviation sector as a high-value strategic industry. Turkish Airlines is expanding its influence in the global aviation market in line with this national strategy, which has significant synergy with the tourism industry.
Despite facing profitability challenges in the post-COVID-19 era, major European airlines are experiencing a decline, while Turkish Airlines is showing continuous growth through aggressive route expansion and differentiated transit services. Last year, in the third quarter, the number of passengers using Turkish Airlines reached 24.5 million, a 5.4% increase from the previous year. From July to September 2024, Turkish Airlines' total revenue reached $6.6 billion (approximately 9.22 trillion won), a 4.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
This growth trend is influenced by increasing passenger demand from East Asia, including Korea. According to Turkish Airlines, passenger sector revenue, which accounts for 84% of total revenue, increased to $5.6 billion (approximately 7.82 trillion won) thanks to significant growth in the Far East. Turkish Airlines' third-quarter cargo revenue also increased by 47% year-on-year, amounting to $911 million (approximately 1.27 trillion won).
A Turkish Airlines representative noted, 'Through high-quality customer service, we will solidify our position as a global airline and continually provide passengers across the world with the unique service and experience that only Turkish Airlines can offer.'