Turkish airlines arrives at the “gateway to the sunny side of life”

Turkish Airlines the award winner from Skytrax for “Europe’s Best Airlines” second year in a row has announced its schedule service to Male’, Maldives.  Having the world's 7^thlargest flight network and flying to 199 flight destinations, Turkish Airlines continues its expansion mode with Maldives; one of the world’s most popular leisure destination.

Turkish Airlines will begin service on 24^th November 2012, serving Male’ 5 times weekly with an Airbus A330 aircraft. Turkish Airlines is an industry leader in on-board service and quality, and GMIAL is proud to announce the addition of weekly scheduled services from Ibrhaim Nasir International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk airport. Passengers will now have access to increased choice and excellent connectivity via Turkish Airlines’ hub at Istanbul Ataturk airport to the World.

On the announcement of scheduled services by Turkish Airlines, GMIAL CEO Andrew Harrison stated “We are delighted to have Turkish Airlines connect Male’ to Istanbul, the first ever service between the two countries. Turkish Airlines gives our tourists, business travelers and cargo options for connectivity to Male' from all over the world via Turkish Airlines extremely well connected hub at Istanbul. This is very good news for tourism in both countries and we are pleased that passengers travelling with Turkish Airlines to the Maldives will be able to experience the true essence of Maldivian hospitality and the natural beauty of this amazing country. The launch of scheduled services also means that Maldivians can take advantage of direct flights to Turkey and beyond on Turkish Airlines and other Star Alliance partners".

 Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 184 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 199 cities around the world, comprised of 35 domestic and 164 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several “Passengers Choice Awards” from the consumer  ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 and 2012 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner of “Best Airline Europe”, “Best Premium Economy Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline Southern Europe”. It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of “World’s Best Economy Class On-board Catering” in 2010, and Skyscanner’s “Best On-board Food 2011”. Long haul Business Class passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board.

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, AviancaTaca, Blue1, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. EVA Air and Shenzhen Airlines have been announced as future members. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 21,500 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries.

GMR Male’ International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (GMIAL) is a joint venture company comprising GMR Infrastructure Limited (GIL) (77%) and Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) ( 23%). In 2010, GMIAL won the right to build and operate the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) for 25 years, which is extendable by another 10 years. Our plan envisages to develop a (0.6 million sq feet) state-of-the-art integrated world class passenger terminal increasing the terminal capacity to handle 5.5 mn passengers pa and a (20,000 sq feet) VIP terminal, apart from landside development and improving existing terminal, to enhance passenger comfort and services. Situated on Hulhule Island in the Maldives at the South western tip of India, INIA is one of the fastest growing airports in the region.