The Airbus A350-900 is a popular and modern aircraft known for its efficiency and passenger comfort. Turkish Airlines, one of the world’s leading airlines, operates this aircraft with two distinct configurations.
It’s essential to know your aircrafts and their configurations. By getting the best business class hard and soft product you get value for money. Additionally, if you are in the points game, utilizing a points redemption value calculator can help you maximize your rewards when booking flights, ensuring you make the most out of your travel investments.
A350 Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines’ Fleet of Airbus A350-900s
There are currently 23 Airbus A350-900’s in service. This fleet is an essential part of their long-haul operations, offering passengers comfort and a modern flying experience.
In December 2023, Turkish Airlines placed an additional order for 50 Airbus A350-900s, following previous orders for 10 in September and 4 in July of 2023.
This expansion underscores Turkish Airlines’ commitment to modernizing its fleet and expanding its global reach.
Additionally, the airline placed an order for 15 Airbus A350-1000s, further enhancing its long-haul capabilities.
As you prepare for your travels on one of these advanced aircraft, don’t forget to check out my ultimate travel packing list to make sure you have everything you need. And if you’re looking for great gift ideas for the frequent flyer in your life, consider exploring some of the most unique gifts for travelers, which include fantastic options like noise-canceling headphones and airport lounge access.
A350 900 Aircraft Acquired from Aeroflot
Among Turkish Airlines’ A350-900 fleet are four aircraft originally built for Aeroflot. These aircraft have the following tail numbers:
TC-LGI
TC-LGJ
TC-LGK
TC-LGL
These were transferred to Turkish Airlines due to international sanctions affecting Aeroflot. These aircraft are affectionately referred to as “Turkoflot” by aviation enthusiasts. It is a playful nod to their previous operator and their unique configuration.
These four A350-900s stand out due to their cabin configuration, which has remained unchanged from their original Aeroflot setup. Turkish Airlines has no plans to alter these cabins.
I always love when airlines either take over or lease aircrafts from other airlines. It can be such a pleasant suprise to be in a cabin that far exceeds your expectations. Such is the case with Air New Zealands 777-300’s which have been leased from Cathay Pacific. They offer the first class suites at the price of business.
If you’re lucky enough to fly on one of these aircrafts, you’ll experience a configuration that offers a unique flying experience.
Let’s take a closer look at the seat map and configuration details of the Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-900 fleet. I will also include information from the Aeroflot version. Then we can look at which seats are the best.
A350 Turkish Airlines Cabin Configurations
Turkish Airlines’ Airbus A350-900s are configured in two different layouts:
Turkish Airlines’ A350-900 Configuration
A350 900 Turkish Airlines Business Class: 32 seats in a 1-2-1 cocoon-style layout. It provides direct aisle access for every passenger and an enhanced sense of privacy. It is quite similar to the Singapore Airlines A350-900 Medium Haul configuration.
Economy Class: 297 seats arranged in a standard 3-3-3 layout. This configuration ensures a comfortable experience for long-haul flights, with each seat designed to offer adequate space and amenities.
Turkish Airlines’ A350-900 (Aeroflot) Configuration
A350 900 Turkish Airlines Business Class: 28 seats arranged in mini suites/pods. These suites offer a higher degree of privacy and comfort compared to standard business class seats. Certainly much more than the new Emirates A350-900 business cabin.
Economy Class: 288 seats. The front section of this cabin was originally intended as Premium Economy for Aeroflot, featuring a 2-4-2 configuration. However, on Turkish Airlines, these seats are sold as standard economy seats. The remaining economy seats follow a 3-3-3 layout.
The Aeroflot-configured aircraft, with their mini suites and premium economy sections, provide a unique experience. It is not commonly found on other Turkish Airlines A350-900s.
While the routes these aircraft serve can be unpredictable, tracking them through FlightAware can give you a chance to experience this special configuration.
Here’s how to track them:
Head on over to flightaware and in the search bar enter the tail number and hit “search”.
The following details appear:
1. The current flight of this particular aircraft.
2. The previous routes it has operated
A350 Turkish Airlines – Best Seats
Here’s a guide to the best seats on Turkish Airlines’ Airbus A350-900 configurations:
1. Turkish Airlines’ A350 900 Configuration
- A350 900 Turkish Airlines Business Class (1-2-1 Layout):
- Best Seats:
- 1A and 1K: These seats are located in the first row of Business Class and offer extra privacy and quick access to the cabin. They are ideal for passengers who prefer a more secluded experience.
- 6A and 6K: Positioned towards the middle of the Business Class cabin, these seats provide a good balance of privacy and proximity to the galley and restroom, making them convenient and comfortable.
- Best Seats:
- Economy Class (3-3-3 Layout):
- Best Seats:
- Exit Row Seats These seats offer extra legroom and are situated near the emergency exits. They are a popular choice for passengers who value additional space.
- Seats in the Front Section These seats are closer to the front of the economy cabin, providing a quieter experience and quicker boarding and deplaning.
- Best Seats:
2. Turkish Airlines (Aeroflot) A350 900 Configuration
- A350 900 Turkish Airlines Business Class (Mini Suites/Pods):
- Best Seats:
- 5A and 5K: Located in the middle of the Business Class cabin, these seats are well-positioned for both privacy and proximity to the cabin’s amenities.
- 1A and 1K: Similar to the Turkish Airlines configuration, the first row offers a bit more privacy and less disturbance from the galley.
- Best Seats:
- Economy Class (2-4-2 Configuration in Front Section and 3-3-3 Layout in Rear Section):
- Best Seats:
- Exit Row Seats: These seats in the front section offer extra legroom and are favoured by those who seek more space.
- Seats in the Front Section of Economy: These seats provide a quieter environment and are closer to the front of the cabin.
- Best Seats:
In both configurations, the choice of seat can significantly impact your comfort and overall flight experience. For the best experience, consider your preferences for privacy, proximity to amenities, and extra space when selecting your seat.
Additional Features of Turkish Airlines’ A350-900
- Cabin Design: The Airbus A350-900 is known for its modern design, featuring quieter cabins and advanced air filtration systems. This contributes to a more comfortable flight experience, reducing jet lag and increasing overall passenger comfort.
- Technology: Turkish Airlines’ A350-900s are equipped with the latest in-flight entertainment systems. They provide a wide range of movies, TV shows, and music. The aircraft also features advanced lighting systems that adjust throughout the flight to enhance passenger comfort.
- Comfort: The Airbus A350-900 offers improved fuel efficiency, and a smoother ride compared to older aircraft models. Its larger windows and quieter cabins are designed to reduce passenger fatigue and improve the overall flight experience.
Culinary Experience in Business Class
In the A350 900 Turkish Airlines Business Class, the culinary experience is elevated by an exceptional touch: a roaming chef who enhances the dining service. This chef personally visits passengers to offer a personalized dining experience, preparing meals and adjusting based on individual preferences. The menu is crafted with an emphasis on high-quality, fresh ingredients, showcasing a blend of Turkish and international cuisine.
Passengers can enjoy a variety of gourmet dishes, from delicious appetizers to exquisite main courses. They are all served with meticulous attention to detail. This unique approach not only ensures that each meal is tailored to individual tastes but also adds an extra layer of luxury to the flight experience. The roaming chef’s presence transforms the meal service into an interactive and memorable part of the journey. This sets Turkish Airlines’ Business Class apart as a top choice for discerning travellers.
Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge in Istanbul
The Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge at Istanbul Airport, is renowned for its exceptional amenities and luxurious atmosphere.
If you are lucky enough to travel business class on Turkish Airlines, this place sets the tone from the minute you step in. It is by far one of the best lounges I have visited. In fact I have just had the pleasure of visiting this lounge after a recent trip to the greek island of amorgos.
I was able to fly business class for free on board Singapore Airlines which flew me from Istanbul to Singapore and onwards to Australia. Singapore and Turkish Airlines are part of the Star Alliance so I was able to use the lounge in Istanbul. Transferring Amex points to Turkish Airlines directly is not available in Australia, so if i were to fly them i would book through the Singapore Airlines Krisflyer program.
Guests can indulge in a wide variety of gourmet food and beverages. These include freshly prepared dishes by skilled chefs, a selection of international wines, and premium coffee. Furthermore, the lounge features dedicated relaxation areas, private sleeping pods, and shower facilities to refresh before or after a flight. One of its standout features is the self-playing piano, which adds a touch of elegance to the environment.
With its warm, inviting decor and attention to detail, I could not help but do a separate comprehensive write up on the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul. It provides a serene and upscale retreat, making it a highlight of the travel experience for Business Class passengers.
Summing Up
In summary, Turkish Airlines’ Airbus A350-900 fleet is a testament to their commitment to providing a high-quality flying experience. With 23 aircraft currently in service and additional orders to expand their fleet, Turkish Airlines is set to continue offering exceptional long-haul travel.
The unique “Turkoflot” aircraft, with their Aeroflot configuration, add a special touch to this modern fleet, offering passengers a rare and memorable flying experience. Whether you’re flying on a standard A350-900 or one of the A350 Turkoflots, you can expect a comfortable and enjoyable journey with Turkish Airlines.
