THY's 100B TRY Infrastructure Plan for 1000 Aircraft

Turkish Airlines (THY) has announced the launch of a large-scale infrastructure investment program as part of its long-term Vision 2033 strategy. The airline has broken ground on eight new facilities across multiple locations, including Istanbul Airport, with a total investment exceeding 100 billion Turkish liras.

"Our growth strategy goes beyond fleet expansion and focuses on building the robust infrastructure needed to support long-term operations," stated THY Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Ahmet Bolat, during the groundbreaking ceremony at Istanbul Airport.

Scaling for a 1,000-Aircraft Fleet

According to Bolat, Turkish Airlines has completed a 93-year journey by reaching a fleet size of 500 aircraft. This milestone is just the beginning of an aggressive growth plan:

• By 2033 (Centennial): The fleet is expected to exceed 800 aircraft.
• By 2036: The fleet is projected to reach a landmark 1,000 aircraft.

This planned doubling of the fleet necessitates unprecedented support infrastructure, which is the core objective of the new investment program.

Flagship Projects: Leading Global Capacities

The investment portfolio features several mega-projects designed to set global benchmarks in aviation support services.

Key Project: SmartIst Phase 2
This expansion will establish the world's largest air cargo terminal, with an annual capacity of 4.5 million tons, solidifying Istanbul's role as a premier global logistics hub.

Key Project: In-Flight Catering Facility
To support the growing number of passengers, THY is constructing the world's largest in-flight kitchen, with a design capacity to produce 500,000 meals per day.

Comprehensive Support Ecosystem

The program extends beyond passenger and cargo handling to include critical technical and operational support. Other major investments include:

• The largest wide-body aircraft engine maintenance center in Europe (third-largest globally).
• Significant expansion of flight training facilities for pilots and crew.
• Establishment of new, advanced data centers.
• Construction of the headquarters for Widect, the brand providing door-to-door cargo services.
• A new crew terminal building and various ancillary support facilities.

Strategic Impact and Job Creation

The strategic impact of this 100 billion TRY investment extends far beyond the airline itself.

Success: Upon completion, these eight facilities are expected to generate more than 36,000 new jobs.

This initiative is poised to significantly strengthen Turkey's entire aviation, logistics, and technology ecosystem, providing a substantial boost to the national economy and positioning Istanbul Airport as one of the world's most comprehensive aviation centers.

In Summary: THY's Vision 2033 infrastructure program is a holistic investment in capacity, efficiency, and global competitiveness to support its journey towards a 1,000-aircraft fleet.