At the 2021 APEX/IFSA Expo, Turkish Airlines Wins First-Ever APEX World Class Award, Five Star Global Official Airline Award For Fifth Consecutive Year and Diamond APEX Health Safety Award

Turkish Airlines, the global airline carrier that flies to more countries than any other airline, earned top honors during the 2021 APEX/IFSA Expo, hosted November 30 through December 2 in Los Angeles, California. As part of the event, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, M. Ilker Ayci delivered a keynote address during an interview by BBC World News Talking Business Presenter Aaron Heslehurst.

Chairman Ayci was also honored with the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, the first time such an achievement has been awarded to a European aviation leader in the history of the awards. Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) CEO Dr. Joe Leader recognized Chairman Ayci's indefatigable spirit, his dedication to constant innovation and ability to quickly enact transformative change while highlighting the many achievements, contributions, and dedication to the industry throughout his career, spanning more than 25 years.

The CEO Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes long-term efforts, dedication, and sustained commitment in support of elevating the airline passenger experience. Any executive nominated for this honor must receive a three-quarter majority vote from the APEX Board of Directors present at a duly recognized board meeting.

In addition, Turkish Airlines was recognized with several awards, including the first-ever APEX World Class Award. The World Class Award evaluates airlines on health safety, sustainability, and guest experience. With over 600 airlines reviewed in the APEX Official Airline Ratings, Turkish Airlines received the APEX World Class Award alongside a half-dozen of the best airlines in the world, verified with a full audit across a double-digit number of flights.

Turkish Airlines was also awarded with a Five Star Global Official Airline Ratings for the fifth consecutive year, as well as the hospital-grade Diamond APEX Health Safety Award powered by SimpliFlying.

'Turkish Airlines has advanced so incredibly under the leadership of Chairman M. Ilker Ayci,' APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader stated. 'Reaching the pinnacle of our industry with APEX World Class tops off a string of non-stop wins for Turkish Airlines. The airline's advancements in health safety, service, and sustainability with one of the youngest fleets in the world underline the best of the best.'

In response to the awards, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, M. Ilker Ayci commented: 'It is a tremendous honor for Turkish Airlines to be recognized at this year's APEX/IFSA Expo, with our health & safety initiatives highlighted by our Diamond APEX Health Safety Awards and our five-year streak of being named a Five Star Global Official Airline. The newest accolade, the 2022 World Class Award, is an incredible feather in our cap and the audited flight program Mr. Joe Leader has created will be crucial for our growth as an industry. Lastly, I am incredibly honored to accept the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award and must give appreciation to our entire team for joining my on this journey. I thank our amazing employees, valued stakeholders and partners for their dedication to Turkish Airlines and inspiring us all to constantly innovate.'

Turkish Airlines, Inc.

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