Turkish Airlines celebrates 10 years operations in Abuja
By Mark Longyen
Turkish Airlines has celebrated ten years of its operations in Abuja, describing it as a celebration of “dreams taking flight.”
Its General Manager, Mr Akin Carkci, stated this in Abuja, at a dinner organised to mark ten years of direct flights between Istanbul and Abuja since 2015.
Carkci also described the event as a celebration of “challenges turned into achievements,” as well as partnerships, which succeeded in helping the airline to fly higher than ever before.
According to him, looking back at where the operational journey started, especially amid some formidable challenges, it is amazing to see how far it has fared to date.
“2015 was the year that the first flight of Turkish Airlines landed in Abuja. Tonight, we’re not just marking an anniversary, we’re celebrating years of dreams taking flight.
“We’re celebrating challenges turned into achievements, and partnerships that have helped us fly higher than ever before.
“When we look back at where we started, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come,” he said.
Carkci disclosed that Turkish Airlines had made more than six thousand flights in and out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, since its inception.
“We have formed a brand that everyone is proud of, and created a service experience that reflects the Heart and soul of Turkish Hospitality,” he said.
Carkci lauded the Nigerian government for creating an enabling environment where aviation can grow, adding that none of the airline’s streams of successes would have been possible without Nigeria’s support.
He also expressed appreciation to industry partners and the airline’s travel agency partners for believing in Turkish Airlines, and for bringing travelers to it with confidence and loyalty.
Carkci noted that the achievements made by the airline were not given on a silver platter but due to deliberate efforts that were put in place toward achieving them.
“Of course, the skies haven’t always been clear. In recent years, our industry has faced some of its toughest times -global crises, operational challenges and changes in expectations.
“However, we all stood together. We adapted, we innovated, and we pushed forward. Pandemic tested our limits, but it also reminded us why we do what we do.
“We are not just in the business of transport, we are in the business of connection, business of bringing people closer to what matters to them most: their families, their businesses and their homelands,” he further said.
Carkci announced that Turkish Airlines had built a flight network of 353 destinations in 131 across the world.
He said that just last week the airline won the Skytrax 2025 Awards, winning eight different awards, including the Best Airline in Europe for the tenth time.
Carkci said that the airline had continued to grow from new destinations to a fleet of 485 cutting-edge aircrafts, from digital innovations to award winning experiences.
“We are also embracing technology, to offer smoother, smarter, and more comfortable journeys. And we are developing our people, because they are the heart of everything we do.
“No journey is made alone. As we look to the future, we know we will need the same spirit of partnership, innovation, and determination that brought us here tonight.
“So, we are committed to growing together. We will continue to develop international connectivity, and keep working side by side with our travel agents to deliver value and unforgettable experiences,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Turkish Airlines began operating in Nigeria through direct flights to Lagos in 2006, and later launched direct flights between Istanbul and Abuja in 2015.
The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, his deputy, Elif Durdu, and officials of Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, travel agencies, among others. (NAN)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
