TURKISH Airlines launched nonstop service from Miami International Airport to Istanbul Atatürk Airport on Oct. 25. To generate excitement for the new service, Turkish Airlines engaged 7-time Guinness World Records record holder The Sand Sculpture Company and its owner Ted Siebert to build the tallest sandcastle in Miami. The carrier announced that the sandcastle had broken the current Guinness World Records title which stands at 41 ft. 3.67 in. The new record now stands at 45 ft. 10.25 in. The sandcastle illustrates how Turkish Airlines will bridge Miami to the world through one-stop access to more than 278 destinations. The sandcastle required more than 1,800 tons of sand and took approximately 2 weeks to complete. Nineteen sculptors from around the world gathered to build the more than 45 feet tall, 4,500 square foot sandcastle. The verification of the height took place on Oct. 26. To view the time lapse video of the sandcastle, visit http://youtu.be/4xZQmJhiqU4. "Turkish Airlines has manifested its commitment to enhancing the links between Turkey and the US by providing another route to the US., which is crucial for us," said Ilker Aycı, Chairman of Turkish Airlines. "The beautiful city of yours will be our first destination in Florida and 8th destination in the US." "By the very nature of Guinness World Records we witness exciting achievements on a daily basis in front of iconic landmarks worldwide," said Philip Robertson, adjudicator, Guinness World Records. "It's rare that we find a superbly detailed sandcastle that replicates so many wonderful cities and achieves a Guinness World Records title. Officially amazing." In addition, the City of Miami proclaimed Monday, Oct. 26, as Turkish Airlines Day. The proclamation was presented at the press conference by Commission Chairman Wilfredo "Willy" Gort. Other speakers at the press conference included William Talbert, president and CEO of the Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, director of Miami International Airport Emilio T. Gonzalez and director of Historic Virginia Key Beach Guy Forchion. Turkish Airlines' new nonstop service between Miami and Istanbul will enhance connectivity to the world for South Floridians including emerging markets in Africa and Asia. The route will be operated 7 times a week both directions using the airline's Boeing 777-300ER and will provide the carrier's award-winning inflight service to business and leisure travelers in the Miami area.
