On the Ground: Since Turkish Airlines joined Star Alliance in 2008, the carrier has expanded its fleet and route network significantly, focusing on nonstop connections that bring leisure and business travelers to Istanbul from around the world. I was fortunate to be on the delivery flight of their new Boeing 777-300ER, flying directly from the Boeing factory in Seattle to Istanbul, so we bypassed the usual airport check-in procedures.
Pre-flight: After settling into my window seat, I inspected the immediate area and tested the fittings—everything worked as expected. The overhead bins were generously sized and opened downward, making it quick and easy to stow carry-ons. A flight attendant promptly collected my jacket. We pushed back from the hangar within minutes, experienced no tarmac delay, and took off at 4 p.m.
In-flight: Shortly after the seatbelt sign was switched off, attendants served Champagne and orange juice. The business-class chef presented shrimp and cucumber rolls as an appetizer. After finishing my Champagne, I changed into the plush slippers provided and explored the inflight entertainment system. Each seat featured a 15-inch screen with a crisp display and intuitive controls. The selection included recent film releases across comedy and drama, a range of television series, and an extensive music library. Notably, the system allowed passengers to connect their personal devices to stream music and video to the larger screen.
Dinner service began promptly at 5 p.m., with linens and porcelain tableware laid out. Options included a traditional American dish, a pasta preparation, and a regional choice of kebabs with baked eggplant, yellow rice, and lentil soup. The meal was elegantly presented and evocative of Istanbul’s flavors.
To help passengers adjust to the time change, the cabin crew aimed to maintain a calm, restful atmosphere. Business-class seats reclined to a full-flat, 180-degree position, which was comfortable for sleeping, although the cabin felt warm at times, making it slightly harder to rest. The seats, about 23 inches wide, provided ample room to move and relax. Approximately two hours before landing, the cabin lights were raised and breakfast service began. Hot coffee was a welcome start; the spinach-and-cheese omelet and yogurt tasted fresh and well prepared. We enjoyed a smooth descent and landing, and upon arrival, numerous Turkish Airlines staff welcomed guests to see the new 777-300ER.
The Experience: Overall, my 11-hour flight was pleasant and seemed to pass quickly. The 49-inch seat pitch in business class created a suite-like feeling with generous personal space. Although onboard Wi-Fi was not available on this delivery flight, the thorough entertainment offerings kept me engaged for the duration.
Total Score: 97/100