Turkish Airlines (THY) signed a pre-accession protocol with Star Alliance in December 2006, setting the carrier on a path to become the global network's 21st full member. The joining process is expected to take between one and 1.5 years to complete.
Once fully admitted, THY's 101-aircraft fleet and routes spanning the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa will help Star Alliance expand its combined schedule to more than 17,500 daily flights reaching 927 airports across 162 countries. Istanbul is expected to serve as the alliance's primary hub between Europe and Asia, opening new connections to Central Asia and the Middle East.
Membership will give THY passengers broader network access, enhanced frequent-flyer benefits, shared lounges, and joint fare products. The airline will also join cost-reduction efforts including airport co-location and electronic ticketing. Star Alliance, founded in 1997, currently holds about 25 percent of the global air-travel market and records annual revenues exceeding 100 billion USD.
THY itself was founded in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft. It carried nearly 17 million passengers in 2006 and today serves 103 international and 28 domestic destinations. The airline is also receiving 59 newly ordered aircraft to modernize its fleet.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in December 2006, in its own words.