A member of Star Alliance, the multi-award-winning Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other carrier, including key destinations throughout Europe.Turkish Airlines has a strategic network across Central Asia, the Far East, Middle East, Africa and North and South America. The Istanbul-based airline holds a strategic position located between East and West.
Add to that the extensive global benefits of the Star Alliance network, the Miles & Smiles rewards programme, its fabulous facilities at its Istanbul hub and superb on-board hospitality, it’s no surprise to see Turkish Airlines scoop award after award, including being recognised as the top European airline by Skytrax for six consecutive years. The aircraft at its disposal, including the Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 777-300ER, noted for their Business Class space and comfort, are the backbone of its long-haul operations.
The Experience
The Turkish Airlines Business Class experience begins the moment you arrive at the preferential check-in desk. Passengers who choose Business Class avoid the queues by using one of the dedicated Business Class counters; they can also take advantage of fast-track immigration and benefit from priority baggage handling along with a significant additional hold and carry-on baggage allowance. The most common Turkish Airlines aircraft seen in the region is the B777-300ER. The B777 features a two-three-two configuration spread across two spacious cabins, separated by the galley.
As you enter the aircraft the welcome is warm and friendly as guests are ushered to their seats and offered a selection of pre-flight drinks by the stylishly attired and attentive crew. The spacious cabins feature the signature light blue-slate colour scheme and the seats are wide with intuitive electric controls enabling guests to easily select their perfect position.
The seating includes features such as in-chair massage – activated via the seat controls, personal reading lamp, power supply, USB port and a screen for added privacy. For convenience there’s an ottoman-cum-foot-rest below the entertainment screen that offers easy access and storage for your in-flight necessities, like your exclusive Molton Brown, Cerruti, Christian Lacroix or Furla amenities kits crammed with all the practical luxuries you might need, like eye pad and ear plugs. When it’s time to sleep travellers enjoy the space and comfort of the fully flat 188cm bed complemented by super-soft Bohca sleeping sets including pillows, a mattress cover and duvet or blanket.
The in-flight entertainment sees a range of easily accessed movies, games and music. The accompanying Denon and Philips headphones were specially designed to reduce external noise while providing excellent comfort and sound quality. Ideal for work or play, Turkish Airlines Business Class customers also benefit from fast and free on board Wi-Fi, simply log in with your name and ticket or seat number.
Voted Skytrax’s World’s Best Business Class Airline Catering, the dishes are prepared and served by the airlines’ famous Flying Chefs, offering travellers a touch of classic Turkish hospitality. Whether it’s traditional Turkish specialities, continental favourites or the splendid hors d’oeuvres and desserts, dining is restaurant-quality in terms of presentation, taste and service. The food and beverage menus vary depending upon flight times. To complement the food there’s also a large and varied drinks menu designed to cater to all needs. This includes soft drinks, juices and cocktails, as well as an assortment of Turkish and international beers, wines and Champagne.
The Lounge
The Business Lounge at Istanbul Atatürk Airport offers travellers an elegant and relaxing respite from the rigors of their journey. Spacious and elegant, the two-storey lounge is a beautifully presented, yet practical space with both open and more intimate areas where passengers are free to indulge in delicious hot and cold dishes as well as a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For the full Turkish experience be sure to sample from the large selection of traditional savoury and sweet snacks and drinks. 
To stay connected there are of course business services, free Wi-Fi and teleconference facilities, as well as shower rooms, spacious bathrooms and neck and shoulder massages for relaxation. In the bar area there’s a live pianist, near the entrance find the cinema and library, while the golf simulator and kids’ playroom complete with Scalextric are popular with kids of all ages.
Istanbul sits at the crossroads of the continents making it the perfect hub for journeys from its region into Europe, Africa, America, the Far East and Middle East and, if time permits, a stop-over to explore this incredible city is highly recommended.
Flying Turkish Airlines Business Class is an excellent experience and, with ever-widening reach, new aircraft and its commitment to affordable quality, it will no doubt continue to go from strength to strength. Regionally Turkish Airlines flies from Jakarta, Singapore, Hong Kong and several other key cities in Southeast Asia.
