There have been times within the history of Turkish Airlines when business hasn’t been so prosperous. Gross annual revenue for the airline reached 4 billion dollars US for 2010. Yet for more than 2 decades in the 70s and 80s, the airline was plagued with a poor reputation due to frequent delayed flights and sub-standard customer service.
There were also seven accidents reported in the years from 1974 to 1983, as well as multiple serious events. But Turkish Airlines turned their fortunes around in the late 80s, as the government took a stand to influence their future. In fact, the turn of the century saw a rise in fortunes for Turkish Airlines that heralded a decade of blue sky flying.
There seems to be an increase in passenger flow especially among expatriates. Once they pick good out of state moving service to relocate, then their next move is to estimate relocation expenses, and select Turkish Airlines as their carrier of choice.
No one can ever say that Turkish Airlines does not recognize the value of marketing and brand recognition. As a matter of fact, they are very good at selecting whom they get and the markets that are impacted. For example, the market of American basketball and the airline’s contract with Kobe Bryant, an all star American basketball player. In February 2011, Kobe Bryant did a humorous commercial for Turkish Airlines. Recently, the airlines added Caroline Wozniacki to their list. She will help in selling the airlines’ Business Class service to the tennis fans in Europe. Finalizing negotiations in October, 2010, Manchester Unites, the English soccer team, and Turkish Airlines signed a contract spanning three years. Manchester United will work with Turkish Airlines for a high tech TV commercial that will introduce the airlines’ new idea for business class travel. Both organizations consider this to be an exciting period for a wide range of reasons. The idea of the new series of commercials is for them to feature some of the top players having a great time while traveling business class with Turkish Airlines.
Turkish Airlines was filled with plenty of business activity over the summer of 2010. In July 2010, Turkish Airlines signed a 5 year deal with Euroleague which stated that it would sponsor the global European basketball competition. As a matter of fact it is in the works for the association’s name to be changed to Turkish Airlines Euroleague Basketball within the next season. This really should not be that much of a surprise to those who know all about the company’s plans of marketing. Turkish Airlines knows how much sports interests and reaches a lot of people. Everyone who flies is a part of everything that is going on. Since the Turkish Airlines have enjoyed a good run of profitable years, they are in an excellent place to do what a majority of business should be doing. The airlines have been proving how good their marketing technique has been by branding their business in a very international manner. We believe this company is a fast mover and poised for global dominance in the ultra-competitive world of aviation and flight travel. Not only has there been numerous celebrity multiple year contracts, but the business has made a lot of new purchases for its fleet and making company improvements all over.