One of the world's biggest airlines is eyeing New Zealand and it could revolutionise travel to Europe and beyond

Kiwis heading to Europe and beyond could be flying non-stop from Auckland to Istanbul in 2026, according to Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Eksi. He told Aviation Week the airline is “looking at options” including flights to New Zealand on its new fleet of ultra long-haul A350-1000 aircraft. It has 15 on order, with the first due next year. The giant airline flies to more worldwide destinations than any other carrier at more than 350 in 130 countries. Aviation expert Irene King told Stuff Travel it was an “exciting” possibility on a “very classy airline” as, “it's opening up completely new destinations with a new airline that most of us have never, ever tried”. “It just gives Kiwis a lot more options, a lot of people will be quite enthusiastic, and they are a great airline, there's no question about that. They've got a long-term strategy, great investment in new aircraft.” Aviation website ch-aviation reported that Turkish has 444 aircraft in total, with more than 300 new aircraft on order. The airline was rated in the world’s top 10 by Skytrax this year. Turkish Airlines just started flights between Istanbul and Sydney via Kuala Lumpur last weekend. The first service was on a Boeing 777-300ER but that will be swapped out for a A350-900 in the regular service. It also operates Istanbul-Melbourne via Singapore. Once the new A350-1000 is launched it will operate flights between Australia and Turkey non-stop. King added that more countries will eye up NZ with the new A350-1000 aircraft including the likes of India: “The globe is really starting to open up to New Zealand.” Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member alongside Air New Zealand. The national carrier has also been the subject of frenzied speculation that it is eyeing up a return to London.<br/>