Flying Chefs on Turkish Airlines stand at Arabian Travel Market from May 6 to 9

Complements award winning on board cuisine from partner Turkish DO&CO

Dubai, UAE; May 7, 2013: Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey and Europe's best airline, has complemented its award-winning on-board service with the introduction of the 'Flying Chef Service' for business class travellers on flights from Dubai, starting May 2013.

Dubai is the first destination in the Middle East for the 'Flying Chef' concept which was launched in 2010 in a joint venture with Turkish DO&CO, the airline's world-renowned gourmet inflight catering service and winner of 'World's Best Economy Class On-board Catering.'

Business class travellers on Dubai routes can experience culinary delights as Flying Chefs work alongside cabin crew to serve a weekly menu of the finest international and Turkish inspired cuisine. Dishes are prepared using fresh ingredients and chefs are trained specifically to work in the limited gallery space. Travellers can also request bespoke twists on the menus. 

Ayse Misirli Mirza, General Manager for Turkish Airlines in Dubai, said: "Our business and comfort class seats are incredibly popular with travellers from Dubai, which reflects the high standards expected from residents in a city renowned for offering the finest hospitality. The addition of the Flying Chef Service is our way of rewarding existing and potential fliers and ensuring the finest on board experience."

This year, Turkish Airlines celebrates 30 years of flying to Dubai and now operates 14 weekly flights from the Emirate, connecting travellers to 223 destinations, across 99 countries, the largest country network for an airline. The flying chef concept was introduced to the global network in 2010 and there are now 222 Flying Chefs serving 16 intercontinental flights and 67 Flying Chef Services on all the airline's international flights. 

Passenger satisfaction on board Turkish Airlines flights has doubled, to 98 percent, since the introduction of the gourmet catering concept in 2007 by Turkish Do & CO. The most modern cabin crew training centre in Europe is The DO&CO Academy Istanbul, where international crew and chefs prepare and train to serve the freshest on board cuisine in 'real life' gallery designs that reflect the layout of the airlines aircrafts across all three classes.

With a 70 percent sector share, Turkish DO&CO is market leader, and covets the 'Oscars of the aviation industry' having won the best economy class catering in the world. The company also operates The Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge, one of the largest in Europe, a luxurious lounge spread across 3000sqm with a Zen olive garden, unlimited Turkish and international cuisine, fresh fruit bar, refreshing shower and suite facilities, complemented by a library, kids' corner, business and Apple and Sony Centre.

Turkish Airlines Flying Chefs will be serving visitors at Arabian Travel Market, on Turkish Airlines stand, EU8350 from May 6 to 9.

For more details including flight schedules visit www.turkishairlines.com, contact the call centre on +971 4 444 0 999 or visit the new Downtown Dubai sales office in Building 6, Emaar Square.  

About Turkish Airlines:
Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 218 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 223 cities around the world, comprised of  37 domestic and 186 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several "Passengers Choice Awards" from the consumer ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 and 2012 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner of "Best Airline Europe", "Best Premium Economy Seats" for its Comfort Class seats and "Best Airline Southern Europe". It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of "World's Best Economy Class On-board Catering" in 2010, and Skyscanner's "Best On-board Food 2011". Long haul Business Class passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board.

About Star Alliance:
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, AviancaTaca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines ,Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. EVA Air have been announced as future members. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 21,900 daily flights to 1,329 airports in 194 countries. 

For more information, please contact:
Mohammed Al Tawil / Alice Hart
+971 55 995 5994 / +971 56 676 6813
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
mohammed.altawil@bm.com / Alice Hart@bm.com

© Press Release 2013