Turkish Airlines is preparing for its biggest move yet as it gears up for the opening of Istanbul's new airport next month.

The flag carrier will be the first to kick off operations at the new facility with its inaugural flight scheduled for October 31,  it was announced.

“Turkish Airlines will carry out its first flight to the capital city Ankara, where the Turkish Republic was founded, at 2:00 pm,” said chairman İlker Ayci. The first overseas flights will be made to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan.

The new airport will be officially inaugurated on October 29, which also marks the 95th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. The opening ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım and many state members.

Turkish Airlines will deploy 800 trucks to transfer all the airline’s equipment and facilities from Atatürk Airport to İstanbul New Airport. Coordinated by the General Directorate of State Airports Authority, it will take approximately 45 hours.

One month before the grand opening, on September 28, the second phase training for employees of airlines, ground services, and other relevant companies will take place. As part of the ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) process, 28,200 people will receive field training that covers familiarisation with the airside, terminal, and luggage services, including ramp licenses. If classroom-based training is included, nearly 53,000 people will have been trained.

As of midnight on October 31, Atatürk Airport will be closed for passenger transport and İstanbul New Airport will take over. - TradeArabia News Service