THY to expand fleet with 35 Boeing jets

Turkish Airlines (THY) yesterday announced that it will add some 35 more Boeing 737 jets to its fleet, 20 in a certain purchase, while 15 are optional. THY said the decision is in line with an earlier decision of the airline's Board of Directors, stating that 105 airplanes will be added to the fleet, with 30 of the jets optional. The airplanes will be Boeing 737-800s and 737-900 ERs. THY's fleet is expected to reach a total of 196 aircraft by the end of 2015, with 155 of them single-aisle jets, 36 twin-aisle aircraft, and five cargo planes, said the airline. Bucking the adverse impact of the global economic crisis on the world air travel industry, THY has significantly boosted its passenger numbers in recent years to become Europe's fourth-largest airline. While passengers numbers at other European airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa and British Airways tumbled due to the crisis, THY has seen 12 percent boardings rise, becoming Europe's most rapidly growing airline. Established in 1933, THY, which is a Star Alliance member, currently flies to 37 points within the country and 156 points worldwide. THY currently has the sixth-largest fleet among the European Association Airlines (AEA) members.