Turkish Airlines posted a 22 percent increase or $4.6 billion in sales revenue in the first six months of 2013 increased compared to the first half of 2012, it said in a statement posted on Borsa Istanbul. Overall net operating profit improved 190 percent to $243 million. Net profit decreased by 30 percent to $67 million, mainly due to currency translation differences and tax effect. During the first half of 2013, 22,4 million passengers were carried, a 26 percent increase in passenger traffic. In response to the 21 percent increase in available seat kilometers (ASK), revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) increased by 27 percent, resulting in 3,4 points increase in passenger load factor which came to 78,9 percent system-wide. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the overall industry growth for the same period in terms of passenger, ASK and RPK was 3,7 percent, 3,9 percent and 4,8 percent respectively. In 2013, 15 new international and 5 new domestic routes have been launched, bringing the total number of international lines to 196, total number of destinations to 237 and the number of countries flown to 103. Turkish Airlines' fleet size as of today is 232, comprising of 182 narrow body, 40 wide body and 10 cargo aircraft. Being rewarded as “Europe's Best Airline” for three years in a row, Turkish Airlines continues to consolidate its successful position and strength, while increasing its product and service quality with the help of strong financial results. — SG
