Cyprus Turkish Airlines Limited (Turkish: Kıbrıs Türk Hava Yolları Ltd. Şti. (KTHY)) was a Turkish Cypriot airline that served as the flag carrier for Northern Cyprus.[citation needed] Until its collapse in June 2010, Cyprus Turkish Airlines was the primary airline flying passengers to Northern Cyprus.
The airline was de jure registered as a Turkish company in Istanbul.[citation needed] Day-to-day operations were run from Ercan. All flights to Europe were required to make a stop at an airport in mainland Turkey.
History
Cyprus Turkish Airlines was established on 4 December 1974 in Nicosia, with shares equally divided between Turkish Airlines and the Cash Development of the Consolidated Fund of the Assembly of the Turkish Cypriot Community (Konsolide Fonu Inkisaf Sandigi). The first scheduled flight took place on 3 February 1975.
In 2005, the Turkish government sold its shares to Ada Havayollari.[2]
In order to avoid bankruptcy due to a $100 million debt, the management decided to sell the company in June 2010. After the end of the bidding period, the Turkish carrier Atlasjet was the only bidder. [3]
On 21 June 2010, the airline announced via its website that it had ceased all operations until further notice. On 29 June 2010, it was announced that the airline had gone out of business.
"Iskele", a Cyprus Turkish Airlines Airbus A321, named after the Cypriot city of İskele (legally named Trikomo accordingly to the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus), taking off from Manchester Airport, England (2009)
As of 13 March 2010, the Cyprus Turkish Airlines fleet consisted of the following aircraft:[6]
As of 14 March 2010, the average age of the fleet was 6.5 years.[7] According to the Cyprus Observer, KTHY had planned to extend its fleet to 12 aircraft, to be in service by 2012 with the airline's updated livery.[citation needed]
Most of the fleet parked at Ercan overnight, but some aircraft overnighted at Turkish airports.
Economy: This class was offered on all of the new aircraft. Full meal or snack service was provided free of charge. In-flight entertainment was not offered.
Economy Plus: This class was introduced after KTHY's elimination of Business and First Class services years earlier, due to the grounding of its Airbus A310s and Boeing 727s.
Express check-in
In early 2008, the airline introduced an express check-in service at Ercan for passengers who were not checking any bags. There were separate express check-in counters for passengers with only carry-on luggage and for those without any luggage at all.
Frequent flyer programme
The airline had a "Special Passenger Programme for Frequent Flyers". Participants had priority for seat reservations and an extra baggage allowance, avoided waiting at check-in, and earned points redeemable for travel.[9]
Personnel
All Cyprus Turkish Airlines flight attendants were women until the start of the 2008 summer schedule in July, when the airline began using male flight attendants as well.
Strike action
On 7 April 2010, starting at 6 a.m., Cyprus Turkish Airlines staff staged a six-hour wildcat strike that grounded all planes. Travellers to and from Northern Cyprus were distressed and severely inconvenienced. Communication from the airline to travelers about the delays was poor.[citation needed]
In-flight magazine
A monthly, in-flight magazine was produced for KTHY, titled Caretta. It generally contained information about Northern Cyprus such as cultural background, tourist destinations, and upcoming events. The magazine was also available on the airline's website.
Hijacking
On 30 March 1998, Mehmet Ertürk hijacked a KTHY flight from Ercan to Ankara, using a lighter designed to resemble a hand grenade. The plane landed safely in Ankara, and Ertürk was arrested.[citation needed]