ISTANBUL – Turkish Airlines' third quarter consolidated financial statements were reported to Borsa Istanbul. Compared to the same period of 2012, Turkish Airlines sales revenue increased 28 percent for the third quarter and 26 percent for the nine months reaching a total of 13,9 billion TRY. While operating profit stood at 864 million TRY for the third quarter, it improved by 12 percent to reach 1 billion 303 million TRY for the nine months. Net profit for the third quarter was 705 million, in line with last years results, while for the nine months it was realized as 826 million TRY decreasing by 6 percent. During the first nine months of 2013, 36,2 million passengers were carried implying a 24 percent increase in passenger traffic. In response to the 21 percent increase in available seat kilometers (ASK), revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) increased by 24 percent, resulting in 1,8 points increase in passenger load factor which came to 79,8 percent system-wide. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) the overall industry growth for the same period in terms of ASK and RPK was 5,0 percent and 4,3 percent respectively. Flying to more countries than any other airline in the world Turkish Airlines' network coverage increased to 239 destinations (197 international) in 104 countries including the 16 new international and 6 new domestic routes that have been launched in 2013. Having one of the youngest fleet in Europe with an average age of 6,6 yeras Turkish Airlines' fleet size as of today is 231, comprising of 182 narrow body, 40 wide body and 9 cargo aircraft. Turkish Airlines, while maintaining its profitability will continue to improve its network and service quality to be among the worlds leading carriers and to make Istanbul an essential hub for the international aviation industry. — SG
