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Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Türkiye, has been awarded with the prestigious “World Class” award by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) for the fifth consecutive year. With this recognition, Turkish Airlines has once again showcased its commitment to excellence in global branding, passenger experience, and operational quality.

The APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony, held in Long Beach, California, celebrated pushing the boundaries of innovation, elevating customer experience, and those that play a vital role in the advancement of the airline industry. Turkish Airlines stood out with the “World Class” award at the ceremony, which represents dedication in premium service and passenger experience.

Following comprehensive deliberations conducted by industry professionals, the “World Class” award was presented to Turkish Airlines based on its exemplary performance across four key categories: Safety & Wellbeing, Service-Guest Experience, Sustainability, and Food & Beverage Executions.

In addition to the highly coveted “World Class” award, Turkish Airlines was also recognized for the second consecutive year as “Best in Class in the World Class Sustainability Category” and this year received the newly introduced “Best in Class in the World Class Food & Beverage Executions Category.”

Commenting on the awards, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: “We are honored to receive the prestigious ‘World Class’ award from APEX for the fifth consecutive year, reaffirming our leadership in the global aviation industry. Our two additional awards this year further highlight our unwavering commitment to offering our guests an exceptional dining experience above the clouds, while continuously advancing innovation and embedding sustainability in of our operations. I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Turkish Airlines family for their dedication in making these achievements possible, and to our valued guests for the trust they place in us.”

APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader affirmed: “Turkish Airlines marks its fifth consecutive year as an APEX World Class airline in 2026, while also making history as the first airline to capture two APEX World Class service awards in the same year. Achieving the 2026 APEX World Class Best Food & Beverage distinction alongside the 2026 APEX World Class Sustainability award against formidable global competition reflects a balance of culinary excellence and environmental leadership. Turkish Airlines continues to set a new global benchmark by pairing authentic hospitality with innovation that redefines what passengers can expect from world-class travel.”

Ratifying its World Class level when it comes to designing menus that cater to the diverse tastes of its guests, Turkish Airlines offers meticulously prepared in-flight dining experience at the highest level, enriched with its signature Turkish hospitality. Furthermore, flag carrier’s efforts on its environmental commitment to sustainability practices implemented in various areas such as digitalization and waste management leads the way in the industry as recognized by APEX.

About Turkish Airlines:

Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 503 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 353 worldwide destinations as 300 international and 53 domestics in 131 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Star Alliance:

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.

The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers 17,837 daily flights to over 1,160 airports in 192 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.

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