A Closer Look At Turkish Airlines’ Post-Pandemic Improvements In Load Factors & Passenger Capacity

Turkey’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, is the largest airline in the world by destinations served. The airline has seen its fair share of downturns due to several global, economic, and political events. For example, Turkish Airlines faced the impact of flight restrictions due to the worldwide pandemic as well as the country’s currency and foreign exchange crisis.

Despite these events, one thing that has not changed for the airline is its tremendous recovery and growth in terms of fleet and network. The airline had been consistent with its passenger capacity and load factor during the pre-pandemic period. Following the downturn, Turkish Airlines not only saw a gradual recovery back to the 2019 levels but is also on a steady path for continued growth.

Photo: Johann Kirby Datoy | Shutterstock

The airline recently held an investor presentation in New York, showing its performance and growth plans for the future. The airline plans to double its fleet to 800 aircraft in the next ten years. Moreover, it plans to expand its worldwide network even further in the coming years. This article explores the airline’s passenger capacity in terms of Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) and flight load factors in the last few years.

Capacity and load factor

In 2016, the airline offered an ASK of 170 billion and recorded an average load factor of 74.6% across its network. In the following three years, the airline gradually increased ASK and load factor. In 2019, the airline showed 188 billion ASK and an average load factor of 81.6%.

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On all fronts, the aviation industry saw an unprecedented disruption in commercial operations due to the global pandemic. Turkish Airlines ended the year with only 75 billion ASK, a nearly 60% decrease over the previous year. The airline recorded a load factor of 71% during the year.

Turkish Airlines was one of the few global operators to recover from the pandemic quickly. In 2021, the airline offered a capacity of 128 billion ASK and recorded a load factor of 67.9%. Despite a lower average load factor, the airline thrived with its passenger numbers and revenues. In a recent investor presentation, the airline stated,

“Turkish Airlines experienced a robust recovery after the initial shock of the pandemic and significantly increased its market share.”

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

In 2022, the airline surpassed its 2019 levels by offering 202 billion ASK, a nearly 8% increase over 2019. The airline saw a massive load factor of 80.6% in 2022. While the percentage was slightly lower than in pre-pandemic years, the airline saw a remarkable recovery of its serviced destinations.

In the first half of 2023 (January to June), the airline has offered 222 billion ASK, a 10% increase from last year. The airline has also surpassed its average load factor over the previous ten years, with 83.1% of seats occupied across scheduled flights.

What are your thoughts on Turkish Airline’s capacity and load factors before and through the pandemic years? Have you traveled with Turkish Airlines? Share your experience in the comment section.

Source: Turkish AIrlines Investor Presentation