Turkish Airlines, on the back of its highest ever load factors, has undertaken a trial operation of the Istanbul New Airport and announced plans for the largest movement of equipment in civil aviation history ahead of its October opening.
It has certainly been a momentous time for the Turkish flag carrier and its growing dominance of air travel in Europe and the Middle East. On Aug. 9, the airline reported it carried a record 7.5 million passengers and 119,000 tons of cargo in July, marking its best ever month, with a $258 million net operating profit in the first half of 2018.
On the same day, it was revealed it has been undertaking tests, including check-in and baggage handling, at the new Istanbul Airport, which is set to open on Oct. 31. Real-time data by 33,000 Turkish Airlines staff members is being collected and analyzed to ensure a smooth transition when the opening comes.
The new airport saw its first ever flight on June 20 when the Turkish prime minister flew in. However, Turkish Airlines reported in its statement that its pilots will make hundreds of take-offs and landings at the airport prior to its official launch, all as part of their familiarity training and operational tests.
With the opening of the new airport comes the closure of the existing Ataturk Airport and relocation of all operational equipment. Over a 45-hour period between Oct. 29-31, operational staff plan to hold a mass migration of equipment using 15,000 vehicles and 5,000 trucks between the old and new facilities to enable the first flights to operate.
Workers at Istanbul New Airport prepare for the massive airport’s opening on Oct. 31. (Image credit: Istanbul New Airport)
"It is of great importance for us to run comprehensive tests in an effort to achieve a smoother integration. Any process of us will be tested and planned in a 100 percent harmonized work. Training will be key here. Our consultants have emphasized this," said Turkish Airlines Chairman İlker Aycı.
Turkish Airlines confirmed its aircraft will be the first to take off, carrying passengers to Ankara, Azerbaijan and northern Cyprus on Oct. 31, assuming the huge undertaking goes to plan.
With all eyes on the new mega airport, Turkish Airlines has been linked with a bid to take over majority ownership of what is at present Istanbul’s second airport, Sabiha Gokcen (ISG), on the Asian side of the city.
According to Reuters, the airline will bid to buy 80 percent of ISG airport in a 750 million euros ($865 million) offer.
Presently owned entirely by Malaysia Airports Holdings, who had previously offered a minority share in the airport, it is not yet clear what Turkish Airlines’ involvement in ISG will bring. At present the airline operates to 34 destinations from the secondary airport, but is utilizing the Istanbul New Airport as a home base capable of expanding.
