VANCOUVER — Turkish Airlines is spreading its wings in Canada with the launch of its third Canadian gateway – Vancouver – in June.

Starting June 9, the global carrier will operate three flights a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays) between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Istanbul (ISL), bringing its total number of weekly flights to Canada to 12. It already operates six flights per week to Toronto, and three to Montreal.

Vancouver also marks Turkish Airlines’ 15th destination in North America.

M. İlker Aycı, Chairman of the Board and the executive Committee said that strengthening the airline’s standing as the world’s largest international flight network is essential to maintaining its dominant position in the market.

“As one of our primary areas of operation, our performance in the North American continent is certainly a net positive for us. Rendering almost every corner of the world within reach with a privileged comfort concept, our most visible motivation as Turkish Airlines is to facilitate infinite discoveries. Just like with our over 300 destinations, we are happy to offer this opportunity to Vancouver, one of the most important cities in Canada, with our unique service mentality,” he said.

The addition of Vancouver to its flight network comes on the heels of Turkish Airlines’ 10th anniversary servicing the Canadian market, a milestone that was celebrated last July in Toronto with approximately 300 travel agents. The airline also recently moved its hub to the new Istanbul Airport in April 2019, which Aycı referred to as “the biggest move in aviation history.”