11 July 2019: With great pleasure Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership, which saw Kuwait national carrier’s code added to Turkish Airlines flights, and Turkey’s national carrier’s code added to Kuwait Airways flights operated between Kuwait and Istanbul/Sabiha Gokcen Airports. The Bilateral Codeshare Partnership will commence from 01st August 2019.
Both Airlines have endeavored a cordial commercial relationship since 1991, and since then both airlines have been reaping the rewards of such partnership. Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways’ cooperation further strengthened by signing renewed ‘Special Prorate Agreement’ in May 2019, and this codeshare agreement is now expected to take the partnership of two national flag carriers to a new height, and provide a great opportunity for the passengers from Kuwait and Turkey.
Signing ceremony of this Codeshare Agreement took place on Tuesday, July 9th at Turkish Airlines Headquarters in Istanbul, and was attended Bilal Ekşi, General Manager of Turkish Airlines, and Yousef Al-Jassem Al-Saqer, Chairman of Kuwait Airways, along with respective delegation from both airlines.
Turkish Airlines General Manager, Bilal Ekşi said he is pleased with the new codeshare agreement signed with Kuwait Airways and added that the agreement would not only contribute to the carrier’s existing commercial relations with Kuwait Airways but also offer alternative connections between Turkey and Kuwait for Turkish Airlines passengers.
“Istanbul is the natural and historical connection point between Asia and Europe. With its brilliant performance over the last 16 years, Turkish Airlines holds the title of the airline that flies to the highest number of countries in the world with 124 countries. The opening of our new home base, Istanbul Airport will further contribute and create new opportunities for our airline and I firmly believe that this Codeshare Agreement will support promoting the cultural and commercial relations between Istanbul and Kuwait.
Both Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways will work closely to offer the best services to our passengers and improve the customer experience. On this occasion, I would like to thank my esteemed friend Mr. Yousef Al-Jassem Al-Saqer, Chairman of Kuwait Airways, his team and my team for their efforts in making this Codeshare Agreement effective. I believe two brother countries’ nationals will benefit a lot from this agreement.” Mr. Ekşi added.
Yousef Al-Jassem Al-Saqer, Chairman of Kuwait Airways said; “We welcome Turkish Airlines as a codeshare partner. The new beginning of this revived partnership will bring enhanced connectivity and increased convenience to our customers, who can expect the same level of impeccable service that they expect from our airline, when they travel on codeshare flights to/from Kuwait to/from Istanbul/Sabiha Gokcen. The agreement will support Kuwait Airways and Turkish Airlines operating between the two cities and allow more travel options, facilities for the public to take advantage of the services provided by the carriers.
The new codeshare partnership will give customers the simplicity of purchasing connecting flights on both airlines using one reservation, and a seamless ticketing, check-in, boarding and baggage check experience during the entire journey. Passengers and travel agents will be able to book directly on these flights thru our website and agents’ reservation system. Further, this Codeshare Partnership will not only enhance the relationship between the two airlines but also the strong relationship between the two brotherly States, Kuwait and Turkey.”
Signing of this agreement coincides with the time when Kuwait market is witnessing steady growth in travel to Turkish cities as a main tourist destination famous for its rich history, hospitality, culture and other facilities which make the visit to Turkey a perfect holiday experience.
It is worth mentioning that Kuwait Airways operates weekly 7 flights with 330/320/777 fleets to Istanbul, and 7 weekly flights to Sabiha Gokcen; while Turkish Airlines operates 28 flights with 320/738/330 fleets from Istanbul, and 14 flights with 320/738 fleets from Sabiha Gokcen.
Both Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways are working on the possibility to incorporate the Frequent Flyer Program for codeshare flights, so passengers can be rewarded benefits of such programs. Both airlines are also agreed to explore other avenues for future mutual co-operation/ expansion of SPA and Codeshares.
