Turkish Airlines to Use A350-1000ULR Aircraft on Nonstop Istanbul–Sydney Flights
Turkish Airlines aims to launch nonstop flights between Istanbul and Sydney by the end of 2027, making it one of the longest routes in the airline’s history. Speaking to Simple Flying during the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker, said the route will be operated by specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft.
The approximately 15,000-kilometer route is expected to become the airline’s longest flight, with a flight time of up to 19 hours. Şeker said there are no operational obstacles, but discussions with Airbus are continuing regarding the aircraft’s economics, weight, fuel capacity, cargo performance, and the ongoing Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) certification process.
Of the 15 Airbus A350-1000s ordered in 2023, eight are planned to be delivered in the Ultra Long Range (ULR) configuration. The first aircraft is expected to join the fleet in July 2027, with additional deliveries scheduled before year-end. Turkish Airlines is targeting the launch of nonstop Istanbul–Sydney flights once certification is completed.
The A350-1000ULR fleet will feature an enhanced premium cabin, with 66 business class suites compared to 48 on the standard A350-1000. Şeker also confirmed that new-generation business class suites developed by Turkish Airlines subsidiary TCI Aircraft Interiors will begin entering service next year.
The new enclosed-suite product is expected to become standard on all widebody aircraft delivered from 2028 onward, while the existing Boeing 777-300ER fleet is also planned to be upgraded with the new cabin concept in the future.
