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This airline just proved it’s one of the best in the world — again

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Turkish Airlines Boeing 777
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

This week, Turkish Airlines celebrated receiving the “World Class” award from APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) for the fifth straight year. The APEX/IFSA awards ceremony occurred in Long Beach, California, where industry leaders conducted thorough deliberations and awarded the aviation industry’s top performers. 

Turkish Airlines won “World Class” — and more

Turkish Airlines snow
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Türkiye’s flag carrier won the “World Class” award based on superb offerings across four categories: Service-Guest Experience, Safety & Wellbeing, Sustainability, and Food & Beverage Executions. The airline also took home hardware for “Best in Class in the World Class Sustainability Category” (second year in a row) and “Best in Class in the World Class Food & Beverage Executions Category.” (new for this year)

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Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: “We are honored to receive the prestigious ‘World Class’ award from APEX for the fifth consecutive year, reaffirming our leadership in the global aviation industry. Our two additional awards this year further highlight our unwavering commitment to offering our guests an exceptional dining experience above the clouds, while continuously advancing innovation and embedding sustainability in of our operations. I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Turkish Airlines family for their dedication in making these achievements possible, and to our valued guests for the trust they place in us.”

APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader said: “Turkish Airlines marks its fifth consecutive year as an APEX World Class airline in 2026, while also making history as the first airline to capture two APEX World Class service awards in the same year. Achieving the 2026 APEX World Class Best Food & Beverage distinction alongside the 2026 APEX World Class Sustainability award against formidable global competition reflects a balance of culinary excellence and environmental leadership. Turkish Airlines continues to set a new global benchmark by pairing authentic hospitality with innovation that redefines what passengers can expect from world-class travel.”

Mark Reif
Mark Reif
Mark Reif is a storyteller focused on the intersection of outdoor culture, travel, and design. From the peaks of Banff to the…
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