Turkish Airlines (THY) launched a direct flight from Istanbul to Palermo, one of Italy's historical tourism cities.
The first flight numbered TK 1373, which took off from Istanbul at 06.45 in the morning, landed at Palermo Airport at 8.30 am local time.
At the ceremony held here, Palermo Airport General Manager Natalie Chieppa and Airport President Salvatore Burrafato welcomed the delegation with flowers, along with Istanbul Airport Civil Administrative Officer İlker Haktankaçmaz and THY General Manager Bilal Ekşi.
Speaking at the press conference held after the welcoming of the first plane and a souvenir photo taken, Bilal Ekşi said, "We are pleased to add Palermo, which is our 344th flight destination in the world and 9th in Italy, to our flight network. We aim to strengthen our bond with Italy and offer our guests the privileges of flying with Turkish Airlines."
Referring to Turkey's aid to Italy during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ekşi continued as follows:
"During the pandemic period, as THY, we did our best to stand by our friendly country Italy. As a result of these efforts, I was awarded the 'Order of Merit of the Italian Republic' on behalf of our company and our employees. I am proud to receive and carry this medal as an indication of the friendship between the two countries. Long live the friendship of Italy and Turkey."