The GTAA is pleased to welcome the national carrier of Turkey, Turkish Airlines, to Toronto Pearson. The inaugural flight is scheduled to arrive at 3:40pm on Saturday, July 11. Turkish Airlines will fly between Toronto and Istanbul three times a week, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

“We’re always excited to welcome new airlines to Toronto Pearson,” said Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO of the GTAA. “It’s great to see direct service to Turkey, allowing for more efficient service for business and vacation travellers between these two vibrant cities.”

The direct flight between Istanbul and Toronto will take almost 11 hours and will be served by the Airbus 330 or 340 aircraft, bringing more than 750 seats into the market. Prior to this, Turkey was in Toronto Pearson’s top 10 un-served markets.

According to 2006 data, there were more than 43,000 Canadians of Turkish origin living in Canada with 30 per cent living in Toronto. This number has increased 75 per cent since 2001. These Canadians will now have direct service to their homeland with this three times weekly service.

A bilateral agreement was signed between Canada and The Republic of Turkey in March 2009. This agreement allows for scheduled flights between the two countries in an effort to better serve the needs of business and leisure passengers travelling between these two destinations.

Toronto will be the 117th international flight destination for Turkish Airlines and the airport’s 106th international destination.