or summer 2022, TUI plans on bringing around 1.5 million customers to Turkey, and will increase capacity across all markets compared to 2019. With around one million customers traveling to Antalya, the carrier has named one of their 737-8s after the city.
On Thursday (March 31, 2022), TUI announced that they will expand capacity across all markets for summer 2022, compared to 2019 levels, and plan on carrying around 1.5 million customers to Turkey. Antalya is one of the carrier’s key destinations, and to honor the Turkish City, TUI has named one of their Boeing 737-8 MAX Aircraft, registration PH-TFO, Antalya. Around one million guests will travel with TUI to Antalya this summer. The official Christening ceremony took place at Antalya Airport on Thursday with World Champion gymnast Ayşe Begüm Onbaşı selected as the aircraft’s ‘Godmother’. Traveling from Amsterdam, flight OR8903 touched down in Antalya yesterday at 12:45 prior to the naming ceremony, which was attended by local TUI representatives, TUI Netherlands Managing Director, Arjan Kers, and other VIP guests and media.
At Thursday’s aircraft naming ceremony in Antalya, TUI Netherland’s Managing Director, Arjan Kers, said,
“We have been bringing holidaymakers to Turkey for over 40 years. With its fantastic mix of beaches and culture, Antalya is popular with TUI customers across all markets. We’re delighted to be increasing our capacity this summer, so even more customers can enjoy the delights that this destination offers.”
Captain Robbert Gijsbertse, who flew the aircraft to Antalya, added,
“I’ve flown to Antalya many times before, but today’s flight is special. It is so great to be back again and all passengers and crew on-board were excited to experience Turkey as a holiday destination again after two years.”
TUI Celebrates Expansion of Service to Turkey, Naming of B737-8 'Antalya' - Courtesy TUI
TUI offers over 600 hotels in Antalya and the company has 26 properties in their Hotels & Resorts portfolio across Turkey, including TUI Blue, Robinson and TUI Magic Life locations. 16 of these premium properties are located in Antalya. Earlier this week, TUI Blue announced a major expansion, with the aim of growing their portfolio to over 300 hotels.
Headquartered in Germany, TUI Group is a leading global tourism company which serves the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The company’s hotel portfolio includes over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson. The Group also operates 16 cruise ships from the MS Europa and the MS Europa 2 in the luxury class, to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI cruises and Marella Cruses in Great Britain.
Source: TUI