State carrier Turkish Airlines recently revealed that the number of passengers flying in from the Middle East rose 22 per cent in the first quarter of the year compared to figures recorded in Q1 2017.

Making the announcement at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai last month, the airline noted that total number of passengers from the Middle East region was 5.6 million last year.

Furthermore, during the first quarter, the total Load Factor improved by 6.5 points, recording the highest load factor in Turkish Airlines history for the first quarter, while international Load Factor increased by 7 points. Airline seat capacity grew by 11.4 per cent.

Commenting on the results, Muhammed Fatih Durmaz, Turkish Airlines vice president sales, Middle East & Cyprus, said: “2017 was a successful year for Turkish Airlines in terms of our global fleet and network expansion and we have high expectations of 2018 as we see the Q1 results and continue to build momentum for our excellent in-flight and customer service. Our network expansion has also been a pivotal step in supporting the increasing customer demand in all our markets, including the UAE and the Middle East. Through new and innovative features, as well as having a growing fleet, our aim is to provide customers with the best possible options, both in terms of new destinations and innovative products and services.”

Turkish Airlines has also unveiled the results of a recently commissioned study conducted by Nielsen research on “2017 Aviation Trends in the UAE” during Arabian Travel Market, which sheds the light on where the industry is going in 2018. Internet and mobile phone connectivity, fewer queues at check-in and even onboard gyms are just some of the items on the wish list of the UAE’s airline travellers.
   
Commenting on the study results, Durmaz said: “It is very interesting to see how the travel and airlines industries are shifting with the transformation into the digital era, and how travellers are now relying more than anytime before on automated services and convenience provided by technology. At Turkish Airlines, we continue to work closely with our different partners to provide our customers with the best travel experience and hospitality that make their journeys memorable.” - TradeArabia News Service