Turkey's national air carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) has announced that it would purchase a new Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Releasing a statement on Friday, THY said its new passenger plane would be delivered in July 2011.

Based in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines is one of the fastest growing and prosperous airlines in the world. It carries approximately 25 million passengers a year and it flies to 120 international and 37 domestic destinations with its 159 planes.

The airline's main base is at Ataturk International Airport, with secondary hubs at Esenboga International Airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Adnan Menderes Airport. In 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, THY carried 17 million, 19.7 million, 22.5 million and 25.1 million passengers with total revenues of US$2.23, US$3.0, US$4.5, and US$4 billion, respectively.

THY posted 387 million Euro of profit in 2009, becoming the top five airline companies following Air China and Ryan Air in the world that recorded the highest profit in 2009.

THY is a member of Star Alliance and has more than 12,000 employees.

The airline is currently the sponsor of FC Barcelona, Manchester United soccer teams and Greek basketball club Maroussi, as well as 2010 Euroleague-Final Four organization.


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