Turkish Airlines profits in Africa, where others fear to fly

When Turkish Airlines opened a direct daily route to war-ravaged Somalia, industry insiders were sceptical. Not anymore. "Somalia is one of our most profitable destinations worldwide," a Turkish Airlines official said. "Because we are the only (international airline). The first and the only one." The Istanbul-based carrier is replicating the move across Africa, expanding to destinations shunned by others. In 2011, Turkish flew to 14 African cities. By the end of this year, it will operate 52 routes from Istanbul across Africa. Despite challenges like poor security or electricity cuts at some airports, African flights feed passengers into Turkish Airline's hub, making routes like Istanbul to London profitable.<br/>