Turkish Airlines unveils its 500th aircraft with a special design dedicated to its 100,000 employees

Turkish Airlines, which operates one of the youngest fleets in Europe, has reached another significant milestone in its history, which began in 1933 with a modest fleet of five aircraft. The 500th aircraft, named “TK Family,” which will join the fleet at the end of 2025, was unveiled today during a special launch event hosted by Turkey’s flag carrier.

The unveiling of the 500th aircraft, featuring a special livery incorporating photographs of Turkish Airlines' 100,000 employees and retirees, was a resounding success, reflecting the spirit of unity and solidarity. The event, held at Istanbul Airport, was attended by executives from Turkish Airlines and its subsidiaries, former senior executives, current and former employees, as well as prominent figures from the aviation industry.

The launch was also attended by the children of martyrs who gave their lives for the Turkish nation, representing all 81 provinces of Turkey, as well as the cast of the memorable Turkish Airlines commercial, "When You Dream." This special gathering demonstrated once again that Turkish Airlines' growth story is not solely defined by numbers, but also by shared effort, loyalty, and solidarity.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, stated during the event:

“Our 500th aircraft represents much more than a new addition to our fleet; it is a symbol of 93 years of dedication, determination, and shared vision. After significantly accelerating our path to the top after 2003 with 65 aircraft, today we are proud to reach 356 destinations across six continents with more than 500 aircraft. Twelve years ago, when we filmed our 'When You Dream' commercial with 247 aircraft and 247 destinations, the 500th aircraft was a dream. Witnessing the realization of that dream today has special significance for the entire Turkish Airlines family. We see our 500th aircraft not as a milestone marking an end, but as the beginning of the 'Second 500' era. In line with our goal of achieving a fleet of 1,000 aircraft by 2036, we remain committed to positioning our country as one of the global aviation hubs.”

As part of this presentation, the “TK Family” aircraft performed a special ceremonial flight, tracing the number 500 in the sky to mark the beginning of the airline’s “Second 500” era. Operated as flight number TK500, the flight carried the children of martyrs and their families, as well as Turkish Airlines executives, former senior managers, and employees.

During the event, aircraft representing key milestones in Turkish Airlines' fleet expansion were also on display, along with a full-scale replica of the company's first aircraft, which attracted considerable interest from attendees. The aircraft that marked these fleet milestones were added to the fleet in the following years:

• Aircraft number 100: August 2006
• Aircraft number 200: November 2012
• Aircraft number 300: February 2016
• Aircraft number 400: March 2023
• Aircraft number 500: December 2025

 While continuing to improve operational efficiency and passenger comfort through investments in modern aircraft, Turkish Airlines remains committed to strengthening its fleet in line with its sustainable growth strategy. The 500th aircraft symbolizes not only the airline's current strength but also its vision of achieving a fleet of 1,000 aircraft by 2036.

 Strengthened by its legacy and moving confidently into the future, Turkish Airlines continues to write new success stories in global aviation, guided by its principle of “growing together, rising together”.

Fuente: Turkish Airlines.