Turkish Airlines unveils its 500th aircraft with a special livery of 100,000 employees | News
Turkish Airlines, which operates one of Europe’s youngest fleets, has reached another major milestone in its journey that began in 1933 with a modest fleet of five aircraft. The 500th aircraft named ‘TK Family’ was added to the fleet at the end of 2025 and was unveiled today at a special launch event by the Turkish national carrier.
The unveiling of the 500th aircraft, featuring a special livery with photos of Turkish Airlines’ 100,000 employees and retirees, took place with broad and meaningful participation, reflecting the spirit of unity and solidarity. The event at Istanbul Airport was attended by executives from Turkish Airlines and its subsidiaries, former senior executives, employees and retirees, as well as prominent aviation industry figures.
The launch also featured children of martyrs who laid down their lives for the Turkish nation, representing all 81 provinces of Türkiye, and the cast of Turkish Airlines’ memorable Iğdır* (When You Dream) commercial. This special meeting once again showed that the growth story of Turkish Airlines does not only consist of numbers, but also of shared commitment, loyalty and solidarity.
Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, said at this special event: “Our 500th aircraft represents much more than a new addition to our fleet; it symbolizes 93 years of dedication, determination and shared vision. Having significantly accelerated our journey to the top after 2003 with 65 aircraft, today we are proud to reach 356 destinations on six continents with more than 500 aircraft. Twelve years ago, when we launched our ‘When You Dream’ commercial with 247 aircraft and 247 destinations, the 500th aircraft was a dream. Now seeing this dream come true has special meaning for the entire Turkish Airlines family. We see our 500th aircraft not as a milestone marking an end, but as the beginning of the ‘Second 500’ era of aviation.”
As part of this unveiling, the “TK Family” aircraft performed a special ceremonial flight, following the number 500 in the sky to mark the beginning of the airline’s ‘Second 500’ era. The flight, operated under flight number TK500, carried the children of martyrs and their families, along with Turkish Airlines executives, former senior executives and employees.
The event venue also showcased aircraft representing key milestones in the expansion of Turkish Airlines’ fleet, in addition to a full-scale replica of the airline’s first aircraft, attracting much interest. The fleet milestone aircraft were introduced in the following years:
100th aircraft – August 2006
200th aircraft – November 2012
300th aircraft – February 2016
400th aircraft – March 2023
500th aircraft – December 2025
As Turkish Airlines continues to improve operational efficiency and passenger comfort through investments in modern aircraft, Turkish Airlines remains committed to strengthening its fleet in line with its sustainable growth strategy. The 500th aircraft symbolizes not only the airline’s current strength, but also its vision to reach a fleet of 1,000 aircraft by 2036.
Drawing strength from its heritage while confidently moving into the future, Turkish Airlines continues to write new success stories in global aviation, guided by the principle of ‘grow together, rise together’.
