Nur-Sultan – Istanbul flights to increase to 7 times a week
“Kazakhstan is a strategically important region. Since all air traffic nowadays is directed to the East, Turkish Airlines considers it necessary to accelerate air traffic in this direction. We are very pleased to announce that the Nur-Sultan – Istanbul flight is carried out daily for the convenience of our passengers”, Hasan Savas Erden, regional director of Turkish Airlines, started his speech.
Turning to the history, Turkish Airlines was the first foreign airline that had arrived at Almaty Airport in May 1992, immediately after the recognition of Kazakhstan’s independence by Turkey. The company was the first carrier to open international air traffic to the new capital of Kazakhstan - Astana in 2005, as well.
“Nowadays Turkish Airlines operates 10 regular flights from Almaty and 7 flights from Nur-Sultan on comfortable A330 and B-737 aircrafts”, the regional director of Turkish Airlines stated.
Zhibek Kamshibayeva, Regional Marketing and Sales Manager, spoke about the opening of a new airport in Istanbul - İstanbul Airport.
“The total area of the new airport is 76.5 million square meters. The airport has 6 runways, 165 telescopic ramps, parking for 500 airplanes, multi-level parking for 70 thousand cars. The roof area of the building is 461,000 square meters, which will easily accommodate 58 virtual football fields. The entire airport is a whole city with galleries, a huge area of duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants and recreation areas for passengers”, she said.
İstanbul Airport was officially opened by President of Turkey Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan on October 29, 2018, and on April 6, 2019 it solemnly opened its doors to receive and serve domestic and international flights of not only Turkish Airlines, but also all air carriers, operating their flights to the city at the junction of Europe and Asia.
Then Zhibek Kamshibayeva presented two unique offers for transit passengers of international flights.
“The city of Istanbul has the unique geographic location, where passengers can reach 60 different capitals of the world at a distance of 3-4 hours of flight, where almost 40% of the global international passenger traffic is generated. İstanbul Airport refers to the hub offering the most international connections. Thus, Turkish Airlines, profitably using its geopolitical location, attracts foreign tourists by offering two unique free proposals for transit passengers of international flights: TOURISTANBUL and STOPOVER in ISTANBUL. If the transit time is from 6 to 24 hours, passengers on international flights can take free tours of TOURISTANBUL, familiarize with the country's history and culture, visiting famous museums and other sights, taste delicious Turkish cuisine and enjoy magnificent views of the Bosporus. An interim stop on the program STOPOVER in ISTANBUL (at least 20 hours) will add unforgettable impressions to your fascinating journey. The airline will provide free two-day accommodation in a five-star hotel to business class passengers, and economy-class passengers can spend one day in a four-star hotel, using the stop as an excellent opportunity to explore the traditions of the hospitable country and the unique culture of Istanbul”, the speaker concluded.
Saltanat Tompiyeva, head of the International Relations and Air Transportation Department of the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan, noted that air communication between Kazakhstan and Turkey was really launched in 1992.
“Turkish Airlines was the first international airline to fly to Almaty. 15 years have gone since the first trip to Nur-Sultan. Initially, it was twice a week, then increased by 4 times in half a year. Now it is up to 5 times a week. From 1 July 2019 it will be 7 times a week”, S. Tompiyeva said.
She also noted that the flow of tourists between Turkey and Kazakhstan is very high.
“About 60 flights a week will be carried out between Kazakhstan and Turkey. Including, Turkish Airlines’ share will make up to 20 flights per week. Also, Air Astana and Turkish Airlines have very successful business relationships. The Civil Aviation Committee constantly works on the opening of new flights and new routes”, head of the International Relations and Air Transportation Department of the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan stated.
For reference: Turkish Airlines is the national airline of Turkey. The airline was established on May 20, 1933 and the first flights were carried out between the cities of Istanbul, Eskisehir and Ankara since August 1933, the first regular international flight took place in 1947 to Athens.
Saltanat Sarina
Photo by Ruslan Mukhomodeyev
