Turkish Airlines Economy Class Food Surprises on Boeing 787 Long-Haul.
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Turkish Airlines, Skytrax's Best Airline in Europe, offers a surprising long-haul economy experience on its Boeing 787; the in-flight meal service is a key highlight.
Key Takeaways
- •Turkish Airlines secured the 'Best Airline in Europe' title at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards.
- •The long-haul economy class catering, including complimentary alcohol, was the most surprising and positive aspect of the 9-hour flight.
- •The flight operated on a modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring a standard 3-3-3 economy configuration with 31-inch seat pitch.
Turkish Airlines is consistently named Europe’s top carrier. This reputation is built on extensive global service. The airline flies to more countries than any other. A recent 9-hour flight tested the Turkish Airlines economy class product. The journey was aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The Economy Experience
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner review showed a modern cabin. Turkish Airlines uses a 3-3-3 seating layout. Seat pitch is typically 31 inches. Width is about 17.4 inches. This configuration is standard for the 787-9. Passengers noted the large in-flight entertainment screens. The cabin features the Dreamliner's signature large windows.
However, some minor issues were noted. These included minor seat wear and tear. Overall, the hard product is competitive. It offers a solid long-haul passenger experience.
Catering Excellence
The biggest surprise was the food quality. Turkish Airlines inflight food is highly rated. The carrier won "Best Economy Class Catering in Europe" from Skytrax. This award highlights their dedication to quality. The long-haul economy catering surpassed expectations. Meals were substantial and well-seasoned. Hot bread rolls were a welcome addition. Complimentary beer and wine are also offered.
This level of in-flight meal service quality is rare. Many European flag carriers have cut back. Turkish Airlines maintains a full-service approach. This strategy significantly enhances the passenger journey. It differentiates them from rivals like Lufthansa or British Airways.
Industry Impact
Turkish Airlines’ success is a benchmark. Winning the Best Airline in Europe Skytrax award confirms this. Their commitment to catering is noteworthy. It provides a strong value proposition. This is true even in a standard economy ticket. The Skytrax World Airline Awards reflect passenger sentiment. Airlines must focus on the entire journey.
Maintaining a premium economy experience feel is key. This is done without a separate cabin class. The airline's investment in the Boeing 787-9 fleet helps. It ensures modern comforts are available. The high-quality service model creates loyalty. It also attracts transfer passengers through Istanbul Airport.
This focus on soft product is a challenge. It pressures other major European airlines. They must reconsider their cost-cutting measures. Turkish Airlines proves that quality catering matters. It is a major factor in passenger satisfaction.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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