ISTANBUL - Turkish Airlines released its third quarter consolidated financial statements as reported to Borsa Istanbul (Turkey's Stock Exchange). Compared to the same period of 2012, Turkish Airlines sales revenue increased 28 percent for the third quarter and 26 percent for the nine months reaching a total of over $ 920 million (13.9 billion Turkish Lira - TRY). 

While operating profit stood at $ 421 million (864 million TRY) for the third quarter, it increased by 12 percent to $ 634 million 1.303 billion TRY) for the nine months. Net profit for the third quarter was $ 633 million (705 million TRY), in line with last years results, while for the nine months it stood at $ 402 million (826 million TR) with a decrease of 6 percent . 

During the first nine months of 2013, 36.2 million passengers were carried marking a 24 percent increase in passenger traffic.With the 21 percent increase in available seat kilometers (ASK), revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) increased by 24 percent, resulting in 1.8 points increase in passenger load factor which came to 79.8 percent systemwide.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) the overall industry growth for the same period in terms of ASK and RPK was  5.0 percent and 4.3 percent respectively. 

Flying to more countries than any other airline in the world Turkish Airlines’ network coverage increased to 239 destinations (197 international) in 104 countries including the 16 new international and 6 new domestic routes that have been launched in 2013. Having a fleet with an average age of 6,6 years Turkish Airlines’ fleet size as of today is 231, comprising of 182 narrow body, 40 wide body and 9 cargo aircraft.