Turkish Airlines Unveils 500th Aircraft, 'TK Family,' at Istanbul Airport

Turkish Airlines Celebrates Fleet Milestone with 'TK Family' Aircraft

Istanbul, Turkey – Turkish Airlines officially unveiled its 500th aircraft, an Airbus A350-900 named 'TK Family' (or 'TK Aile' in Turkish), at a ceremony held at Istanbul Airport on Friday, February 13, 2026. This event marks a significant milestone for the national flag carrier, signaling the commencement of what the airline refers to as its 'Second 500' era.

The newly introduced aircraft, registered as TC-LHH, features a distinctive livery composed of photographs of 100,000 current and retired employees. This unique design underscores the airline's commitment to unity and acknowledges the collective effort that has driven its growth since its inception in 1933.

A Vision for Future Expansion

The unveiling ceremony drew a wide array of participants, including senior executives, former leaders, employees, retirees, and representatives from the broader aviation industry. Notably, children of martyrs from all 81 provinces of Turkey were also in attendance, alongside the cast of the airline's well-known 'When You Dream' commercial, highlighting the national pride associated with the airline's expansion.

Professor Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, emphasized the profound significance of the 500th aircraft. He stated that it 'represents far more than a new addition to our fleet; it stands as a symbol of 93 years of dedication, determination, and shared vision.' Bolat also reaffirmed the airline's ambitious goal of expanding its fleet to 1,000 aircraft by 2036, aiming to solidify Turkey's position as a global aviation hub.

Commemorative Flight and Historical Context

To commemorate the occasion, the 'TK Family' aircraft undertook a special ceremonial flight, operating under flight number TK500. During this symbolic journey, the aircraft traced the number '500' in the sky, marking the official start of its new growth phase. The flight carried children of martyrs and their families, along with airline executives and employees.

Turkish Airlines, which began operations in 1933 with just five aircraft, has experienced remarkable growth. The airline reached its 100th aircraft in August 2006, 200th in November 2012, 300th in February 2016, and 400th in March 2023. The 500th aircraft, which joined the fleet at the end of 2025, now serves a network of 356 destinations across six continents.