Turkish Airlines Celebrates its 75th Anniversary in Athens

As the airline that flies to more international destinations than any other airline with 128 countries in five continents in its flight network, Turkish Airlines celebrates its 75^th anniversary in Athens, its first scheduled international destination. Operating its first international flight on February 12, 1947 on Ankara – Istanbul – Athens route, Turkish Airlines attributes a special value to this flight as it was the first time the airline carried its national flag on international skies.

 

Operated with DC-3 type aircraft with TC-ABA tail number, first international flight of flag carrier departed from Ankara on 12 February 1947 at 10:00 and after a stop in Istanbul, it continued to Athens Airport which was known as Hassani Airport back then.

 

Turkish Airlines celebrated the 75th anniversary of its first international flight, organizing an event which took place at the Dome of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, in the presence of the tourism industry organizations and representatives, tourist agencies, and Media guests.

 

Commenting on the event Turkish Airlines Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Mr. Ahmet OLMUŞTUR stated; “We are proud to have carried our national flag in international skies for the first time 75 years ago“.

 

We all know that aviation is vital for the modern economy. It provides the only rapid worldwide transportation network, generates economic growth, creates jobs, and facilitates international trade and tourism.

 

Contributing at such these key economic activities for decades as one of the leading profile of the sector, Turkish Airlines continues to connect enterprises and people, enabling world trade, investment, tourism, and travel.

 

Following the first flight to Athens that we celebrate its anniversary here today, Greece has been the first country to which Turkish Airlines has contributed to its economy for 75 years. When we consider that the aviation history is not more than 100 years, we can say that we grew together and embrace today with supporting each other.”

Mrs. Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director, Communications & Marketing of Athens International Airport, stated: “Having carried 5 million passengers on 37,000 flights since the opening of Athens International Airport, Turkish Airlines’ passengers’ traffic gradually grew by 5 times, reaching a record annual traffic volume of 500,000 passengers in 2019, an all-times record year also for our airport. After two extremely difficult years for the aviation and the tourism sectors, we are very glad with the recovery prospects that are now evident. Within this developmental environment, we wish Turkish Airlines many more full and safe flights!”

Today, Turkish Airlines operates 21 flights to Athens and 7 flights to Thessaloniki from Istanbul Airport on a weekly basis. As the airline that connects more countries than any other, we will continue to host our guests with Turkish hospitality and fly our flag proudly in the sky. Turkish Airlines offers unlimited connection opportunities to its guests, it also continues to carry its quality and service to all over the world.

Tags: Turkish Airlines, 75th Anniversary in Athens