Carrier provides new connecting options via Istanbul

Turkish Airlines last week was accepted as the newest member of the global Star Alliance, which includes United, US Airways, Air Canada and Lufthansa among its 20 member carriers. The addition of Turkish Airlines will bring another 31 destinations in Turkey, Central Asia and the Middle East into the group’s service network, via connections at Istanbul, for a worldwide total of 965 airports in 162 countries. Turkish Airlines said that by the end of 2008, it expects to add 22 more aircraft to its fleet and expand its route network by 11 more destinations. Passengers connecting to Turkish flights from other Star Alliance airlines will benefit from through check-in and full frequent flyer reciprocity.