MELBOURNE- By the conclusion of 2024, Sydney Airport (SYD) is poised to welcome another international carrier, spurred by the debut of Turkish Airlines (TK) maiden flight into Melbourne (MEL) on March 2.
Melbourne has become the airline’s 346th destination, offering Australian travelers gateways to iconic sites like Gallipoli, enchanting Istanbul, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. The only uncertain element is Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus’s persistent demand, expressed during the airline’s VIP launch on March 3, for an underground train station as an integral part of the Airport Rail Link to Tullamarine Airport.
Turkish Airlines Sydney Flights
The Victorian Government is advocating for an above-ground train station, and the disagreement is set to be resolved through mediation.
Despite this, Ms. Argus expressed confidence in the competitive advantage of a new airline entering the Australian aviation market during the launch of the thrice-weekly service to Melbourne via Singapore’s Changi Airport.
She emphasized that heightened competition drives prices down, benefiting Victorian residents and businesses by maintaining global connections with family, friends, and clients.
“Melbourne takes pride in being home to the largest Turkish population in Australia, so we anticipate that these flights will be particularly popular among individuals seeking to visit friends and relatives.”
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus
Turkish Airlines is introducing introductory offers, featuring economy fares starting at $1,499 return for travel until May 15, 2024, and business class fares from $7,599 for travel by May 15. Additionally, the airline has committed to offering non-stop flights between Turkey and Australia in the future.
Inaugural Flight to Melbourne
On March 2, Turkish Airlines operated the Boeing 777-300ER into Melbourne, with plans to transition to the 787-9 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350-900 in June.
The airline, boasting the distinction of flying to more countries than any other, has recently included Melbourne as its inaugural destination on the Australian continent within its continuously growing flight network. This expansion is facilitated by its modern fleet, which has reached an impressive 450 aircraft.
The flag carrier commences flights to Melbourne, the most populous city in Australia, featuring special introductory prices and connecting through Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN).
Professor Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Chair of Turkish Airlines, emphasized that the “commencement of our Melbourne route reaffirms our expanding presence in the Asia-Pacific region and highlights our steadfast dedication to facilitating connections between diverse cultures and communities worldwide.”
According to the Victorian Government, the Melbourne service is expected to introduce 109,500 seats annually, bring in over $132 million annually to the state’s economy, and generate an estimated 840-plus jobs in the aviation and tourism sectors.
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