Turkish Airlines’ 90-year journey began modestly on May 20, 1933, with five planes and under 30 employees. Initially called State Airlines Administration, the airline focused on connecting people and cultures within Türkiye. Over the next few decades, the airline expanded its reach with international flights to Athens, Nicosia, Beirut, and Cairo, steadily growing its fleet and solidifying its presence in the aviation industry. Key milestones included joining IATA and adopting the name Turkish Airlines in 1955, as well as the iconic wild goose emblem designed by Mesut Manioğlu in 1959.
The latter half of the 20th century saw significant advancements for Turkish Airlines, including the transatlantic flight in 1961 and a rapid increase in capital and employees. The introduction of jet-powered aircraft and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 marked a new era in its operations. The airline’s dedication to expansion led to bridging continents, serving millions of passengers, and establishing a global presence by the 1980s, with services reaching across Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, and finally, America.
