For a second year, Turkish Airlines is the main sponsor of the Birmingham Post Business Awards. Here, the company looks back at its growth in the region

Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five aeroplanes, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines is today a four-star airline with a fleet of 264 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 260 cities around the world.

One of the fastest growing airlines, it has received several "Passenger Choice Awards" from Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).

In 2014, Turkish Airlines has been chosen "Best Airline in Europe" for a fourth time, and awarded "Best Business Class Onboard Catering", "Best Business Class Lounge Dining" by Skytrax in 2014 World Airline Awards.

Turkish Airlines flies to more countries in the world than any other airline (107 countries over five continents) according to UMB's Official Airline Guide. In 2013, Turkish Airlines, was named "Best Airline in Europe" by Skytrax. A winner of the "World's Best Economy Class On-Board Catering" award, Turkish Airlines was also the recipient of the Skytrax "Best Business Class Catering" award in 2013.

The global airline won the SkyTrax Award, known as the "Passengers' Choice Awards," for the "Best Airline in Southern Europe" consistently in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2012, Skytrax named Turkish Airlines "Best Premium Economy Seats in the world" for its comfort class seats.

In order to keep alive its brand equity, which provides a serious advantage in terms of competition, Turkish Airlines invests in its quality of service, in-flight entertainment systems, comfortable seats, gourmet cuisine and its employees. Turkish Airlines is always at the forefront of the latest technological advances and innovations in the aviation industry and boasts one of the youngest fleets.

As the airline expands its routes and number of aircraft, continuous training of its employees is of the utmost importance in Ensuring the safety of its passengers.

Turkish Airlines regards flight safety and service quality as two of the most indispensable necessities. Turkish Airlines currently holds a four-star ranking and consistently strives to secure a fivestar ranking.

Turkish Airlines understands the responsibility of being a pioneer within the industry, and is determined to carry out its mission moving forward.

Furthermore it maintains its goal of becoming a regional leader and a prominent global airline, preferred for its unparalleled service, superior quality, trustworthiness and reliability In addition to Europe, Turkish Airlines is also strategically expanding its network into Russia, Central Asia, Far East Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North and South America.

As one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, Turkish Airlines holds a strategic position between the East and West. Our expansion in recent years shows our commitment to the region.

Turkish Airlines flies from Birmingham Airport with 10 weekly flights. However, this is not just in the Midlands – we are also expanding our flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh to the world via Istanbul. We are proud to announce that we have over 100 weekly flights from the UK alone.

We are continuing to demonstrate our increasing popularity amongst UK passengers. Turkish Airlines continues to focus on delivering a high quality service, widening the world of our passengers and reaffirming our position as one of the world's leading airlines.

FACT FILE

Number of aircraft: 265 (passenger and cargo)

Aircraft types: A340-300, A330, A321, A320, A319, B737-400, B737-800, B777 ER

Hubs: Istanbul, Ankara Frequent flyer program: Miles & Smiles

Number of destinations: 260 (217 international, 43 domestic )

Network strengths: Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Far East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America