Turkish Airlines pledges new routes after inaugural Australian flight

Melbourne has become the airline's 346th destination with gateways for Australian travellers to Gallipoli, wondrous Istanbul and the warrens of the Grand Bazaar.

The only thing in a holding pattern however is Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus' insistence at the airline VIP launch on March 3 on an underground train station as part of the Airport Rail Link to Tullamarine airport.

The Victorian Government wants an above-ground train station and the dispute is headed to a mediator.

Nonetheless, Ms Argus was bullish on the competitive edge of a new airline in the Australian aviation market at the launch of the thrice-weekly service to Melbourne via Singapore's Changi Airport.

"Increased competition helps put downward pressure on prices, which will ensure Victorian residents and businesses can stay connected with family, friends and clients around the world.

"Melbourne is proudly home to the largest Turkish population in Australia, so we expect these flights will prove particularly popular with people looking to visit friends and relatives," Ms Argus said.

Turkish Airlines is rolling out introductory offers with economy fares starting at $1,499 return for travel to May 15, 2024 and business class fares from $7,599 for travel by May 15. The airline has also committed to non-stop flights between Turkey and Australia in the future.

Turkish Airlines operated the Boeing 777-300ER into Melbourne on March 2 and will move to the 787-9 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350-900 from June.

Turkish Airlines chair Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat said the "inauguration of our Melbourne route is a testament to our growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region and underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering connections between diverse cultures and communities across the globe".

The Melbourne service will add 109,500 seats each year, contribute more than $132 million annually to the state's economy and create an estimated 840-plus jobs in the aviation and tourism sectors, according to the Victorian Government.