Turkish Airlines and its sub-brands scooped a number of accolades at the 2016 Air Transport News Awards Ceremony that took place in Mozart Residence, Salzburg, including the coveted "Airline of The Year" award.

Turkish Cargo won “Cargo Airline of the Year” award and Turkish Technic won “MRO Company of the Year” award as well. Operated by TAV Airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport also won the “Airport of the Year” award.

İlker Ayci, chairman of the board and the executive comittee Turkish Airlines, said: “As the Turkish Airlines network grows every day by offering more and more services, the satisfaction of our guests is still our first priority. We have succeeded in significant increasing the number of our passengers from 10.3 million (in 2002) to nearly 62 million last year. With a total of 285 flight destinations to 113 countries, we became the airline that flies to the most countries in the world. In 2016, we anticipate carrying 72 million passengers. Our fleet has reached 308 today; one of the youngest fleets in Europe. We will continue to grow by purchasing new airplanes and adding new destinations to our global flight network. With the completion of the new airport in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines will achieve a much different momentum."

“Turkish Cargo as a sub-brand of Turkish Airlines, utilizing its flight network and fleet along with its own freighters, has become one of the fastest growing players in the global air cargo industry. Turkish Cargo achieved 18 per cent yearly average growth over the past decade. Turkish Cargo increased its cargo and mail volume to 720.000 tons in 2015 and aims to be in “The League of Millions” in terms of cargo carried. With the existing fleet structure, cargo services to 61 cargo destinations are on offer besides 284 destinations with passengers aircraft,” he said.

Also commenting on the win, Sani Şener, TAV Airports President and CEO, said: “Istanbul Atatürk Airport was the third busiest airport of Europe surpassing London and Paris by providing services to 61.3 million passengers last year. During this process there have been comprehensive developments at Istanbul Ataturk in order to provide an enhanced passenger experience. We have renovated and redesigned the duty-free and F&B spaces as to comply with the passenger flow at the terminals. Biometric passport control was introduced. Our accessibility programme was selected as a best-practice at the UN. Consequently, we have been awarded the ASQ award for the airport with the most increase in service quality, a direct appreciation of our passengers. As soon as the additional facility, which is about to be completed at the international terminal, opens into service, Ataturk Airport will be ready to serve around 75-80 million passengers annually. We thank all our stakeholders, especially the General Directorate of State Airports Authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Turkish Airlines and all our employees who contributed to this success.”

The Air Transport News Awards have become one of the most important awards in the aviation industry, recognising the achievements of the best companies, leaders and practices in the air transportation sector. - TradeArabia News Service