This year, TUI brought 2.3 million customers to Turkey so far – increasing its capacity across all markets compared to 2023 levels, thus increasing its market share.  120.000 TUI customers travelled to İzmir which is a key destination in TUI’s growth strategy, evident by naming one of its newest aircraft “İzmir’’.

The official name-giving ceremony took place at İzmir airport, with Turkish National Team Swimmer, Bengisu Avcı selected as godmother of the aircraft.

Travelling from Brussels, the aircraft touched down at 10.50.  The naming ceremony was addressed by local TUI representatives and TUI Belgium Director of Product Sofie Van den Driessche, who accompanied the guests from Turkey and Belgium at the event.

The Vice-Governor of İzmir, Mr. Ümit Cavuldak, The Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Fahrettin Kerem Çevik and TAV General Manager were at the airport to greet the arriving plane, together with other representatives of Turkish tourism and hotel associations, TUI’s hotel partners and local media.

“We have been bringing holidaymakers to Turkey for over 40 years.” Sofie Van den Driessche, TUI Belgium Director of Product. “With its fantastic mix of beaches and culture, İzmir is popular with TUI customers across all markets. We’re delighted to be increasing our capacity next summer, so even more customers can enjoy the delights that this destination offers.”

TUI is modernising its airline with new aircraft and to emphasise its long-term partnerships with tourist destinations, is naming its new Boeing 737- 8 aircraft after destinations.

In his speech, The Vice-Governor of İzmir, Mr. Ümit Cavuldak, stated: “İzmir continues to grow in the field of tourism every day. It is a city greatly admired by tourists for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. Therefore, I am very pleased that TUI has named one of its aircraft after “İzmir”

In their speeches, İzmir Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Mr. Fahrettin Kerem Çevik and İzmir Tav General Manager Mr. Erkan Balcı emphasized the importance of İzmir in Turkish tourism, stating that TUI’s initiative is of great significance for the promotion of both İzmir and our country.

Miss. Bengisu Avcı, The godmother of the Aircraft; “Today I was honored as a National open water swimmer  who grew up in İzmir. When we named the Plane after “İzmir” I was thinking of the Albatros bird , which accompanies me during the ocean crossings. The Albatross flies through miles without having a rest, crossing the continents, I would like to wish the same for TUI company, best of luck and success. I have been swimming for years for raising awareness to “ Life Below water” which is among the 17 Global Goals determined by United Nations. And I am very happy to be here. Because TUI has also been working for a very long time to reduce its carbon footprint and trying to help us create a sustainable world. I am honored that a TUI plane is named after the city I live in.”

I am sure that TUI and I will be together again in environmental and sustainable-focused projects in the future. We are both looking in the same direction and this really makes me very happy. Theres a saying I love: “Same species of birds likely fly together”, she added.