Turkish Airlines has signed a firm order for the purchase of four A330-200F freighter aircraft. Operated by Turkish Cargo, the additional aircraft will help to further boost the company’s expansion in the cargo market. Turkish Airlines already operates five A330-200F, and the additional order will enable them to quickly meet the growing cargo market demand.

“The A330-200F freighter aircraft have demonstrated outstanding operational reliability and performance for our cargo transport operations. It is with this in mind that we chose to expand our freighter fleet with more A330-200F,” said Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines.

“A prestigious customer like Turkish Airlines ordering the A330-200F for the third time shows a real vote of confidence in this aircraft to help further develop their cargo business,“ said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, Customers. “The A330 Family is the most versatile family of aircraft on the market and the A330-200F is no exception, being the most flexible, reliable and cost-efficient freighter.”

Turkish Airlines operates the largest Airbus fleet in the country with a total of 139 Airbus aircraft in service. These include 91 single aisle aircraft, two A310 freighters, 17 A330-200, 18 A330-300, five A330-200F and six A340s.

Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings.

The A330-200F is capable of carrying a payload of 65 to 70 tonnes, with a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles. With unit costs similar to larger freighters, it is the ideal aircraft for opening new routes and developing networks with minimum risk. The technologically advanced design and continuous improvements since the programme launch make the A330-200F today’s most modern and efficient mid-size freighter.