The Airbus A380 made its first visit to Istanbul last week, where incumbent carrier Turkish Airlines revealed long-term ambitions to operate the ultra-large aircraft, but says the replacement of its A310s and A340s is a more pressing requirement.
The airline is evaluating the A350 XWB and Boeing 787, and general manager Temel Kotil says the airline is planning "to announce new orders at the beginning of 2008".
The carrier is planning to place orders for at least 20 aircraft and possibly add 10 options. Turkish Airlines is also looking for medium-range types to expand the A320 and 737 fleet. A technical report on the fleet expansion has been completed and sent to the carrier's board.
THY operates seven A340-300s and five A330-200s and the carrier next year will lease a pair of A330s to replace two of its five A310s. These A310s will be converted into freighters.
Source: Flight International
