Turkish Airlines, Kuwait Airways sign codeshare deal

ANKARA-Anadolu Agency

A new codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways was signed on July 9, Turkey's national flag carrier announced.

In a statement, Turkish Airlines said that both Airlines have endeavored a cordial commercial relationship since 1991.

"And since then both airlines have been reaping the rewards of such partnership," the statement said.

Recalling the Special Prorate Agreement signed this May, Turkish Airlines said: "This codeshare agreement is now expected to take the partnership of two national flag carriers to a new height, and provide a great opportunity for the passengers from Kuwait and Turkey."

"Signing of this agreement coincides with the time when Kuwait market is witnessing steady growth in travel to Turkish cities as a main tourist destination famous for its rich history, hospitality, culture and other facilities which make the visit to Turkey a perfect holiday experience," it added.

Bilal Ekşi, Turkish Airlines' CEO, said in the statement that both companies will work closely to offer the best services to the passengers and improve the customer experience.

"With its brilliant performance over the last 16 years, Turkish Airlines holds the title of the airline that flies to the highest number of countries in the world with 124 countries.

"The opening of our new home base, Istanbul Airport will further contribute and create new opportunities for our airline and I firmly believe that this codeshare agreement will support promoting the cultural and commercial relations between Istanbul and Kuwait," Ekşi said.

Yousef Al-Jassem Al-Saqer, chairman of Kuwait Airways also said: "The agreement will support Kuwait Airways and Turkish Airlines operating between the two cities and allow more travel options, facilities for the public to take advantage of the services provided by the carriers."

"The new codeshare partnership will give customers the simplicity of purchasing connecting flights on both airlines using one reservation, and a seamless ticketing, check-in, boarding and baggage check experience during the entire journey.

"Further, this codeshare partnership will not only enhance the relationship between the two airlines but also the strong relationship between the two brotherly states, Kuwait and Turkey," he added.

Kuwait Airways operates weekly seven flights to Istanbul Airport, and seven flights to Sabiha Gökçen airport, while Turkish Airlines operates 28 flights from Istanbul Airport, and 14 flights from Sabiha Gökçen.

Established in 1954, Kuwait Airways flies to 49 destinations worldwide with its fleet of 25 passenger and cargo aircraft.

Turkish Airlines, founded in 1933 with a five-aircraft fleet, currently has nearly 340 aircraft, including passenger and cargo planes, and flies to 311 destinations worldwide.

Last year, the company carried 75.2 million passengers with a seat occupancy rate of 82 percent, and this year aims to reach 80 million passengers on domestic and international routes.