Turkish Airlines takes delivery of first Boeing 777 Freighter

Turkish Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777 Freighter with the second one on order helping the airline expand its cargo business.

Turkish Airlines Boeing 777F.

“The delivery of our first 777 Freighter is a milestone event in our cargo business,” said İlker Aycı, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines. “As a prominent sub-brand of Turkish Airlines, Turkish Cargo increased its freighter destinations served from 55 to 73 from the beginning of this year, reaching approximately one million tons of cargo with a 29%increase. It is surely beyond doubt that this is a remarkable success. We’re sure that this significant delivery, which will bring great value to our rapidly growing cargo operations, will also enable our leading sub-brand to further compete, expand and reach new short and long-range destinations from our hub in Istanbul.”

The 777 Freighter is based on the 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometres) with a full payload of 112 tons (102 metric tons or 102,000 kg).

Based in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. It carries over 60 million passengers a year, with direct flights to 300 destinations in 120 countries. Turkish Airlines was founded in 1933 with a fleet of five airplanes that carried a total of 28 passengers, expanding to 329 aircraft today.