Argentine Soccer Star Leo Messi Named Global Brand Ambassador For Turkish Airlines

Announcement Solidifies Europe’s Best Airline’s Partnership with Global Sports Figures to Promote Brand

BARCELONA, Spain--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International soccer superstar Leo Messi was named Global Brand Ambassador for Turkish Airlines at a ceremony today in Barcelona, Spain, after signing the agreement in September 2012. The FC Barcelona forward joins the ranks of Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and professional tennis player Caroline Wozniacki who have been brand ambassadors since 2011 and 2010 respectively.

“I would like to thank Turkish Airlines because it’s a great honor for me to be the brand ambassador of such a fast growing [airline] among the world’s biggest and Europe’s Best Airline company”

“I would like to thank Turkish Airlines because it’s a great honor for me to be the brand ambassador of such a fast growing [airline] among the world’s biggest and Europe’s Best Airline company,” said Messi. "I believe that by joining with a global network company such as Turkish Airlines, we will sign many more successful projects. As an Argentinian, I am happy Turkish Airlines is adding another destination – Buenos Aires from Istanbul.”

“We have held the title of Europe’s Best Airline now for two consecutive years and it makes perfect sense that we align ourselves with the best and most recognizable sports figures in the word,” said Turkish Airlines Member of the Board, İsmail Gercek. “Signing a global sports star like Messi only solidifies our leading position as one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, flying to a record number of countries across the globe.”

In September 2012, Messi shot a commercial for the airline with Kobe Bryant. In the airlines’ latest commercial, the duo competes to win the attention of a young boy. The commercial was a collaborative effort among producers, actors and crew members from Turkey, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States. Shot partly at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport and partly in other countries abroad, the commercial will air worldwide late this year.

In working with Leo Messi, Turkish Airlines will maintain a global focus promoting its award-winning service. Having been named FIFA Best Player in the last three seasons and currently being a finalist for this year’s FIFA player of the year, Messi’s visibility and worldwide popularity will be instrumental in helping Turkish Airlines reach new heights on a global scale.

Aside from this recent announcement, Turkish Airlines has reached several milestones in recent months including adding the 200^th aircraft to its growing fleet and flying to 92 countries, more than any other airline in the world. While Turkish Airlines continues its expansion plans into Europe, Russia, Central Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, Africa, there are also expansion plans on the horizon in the United States. A fifth U.S. gateway will open on April 1, 2013 in Houston, Texas. In the not so distant future, the airline will begin operating scheduled flights based on aircraft availability to Boston and San Francisco.

About Turkish Airlines:

Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 200 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 209 cities around the world, comprised of 36 domestic and 173 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several “Passengers Choice Awards” from the consumer ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 and 2012 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner of “Best Airline Europe”, “Best Premium Economy Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline Southern Europe”. It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of “World’s Best Economy Class On-board Catering” in 2010, and Skyscanner’s “Best On-board Food 2011”. Long haul Business Class passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board.