Tuesday, 5 March 2024

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (12:59): Hoşegeldin Türk Hava Yolları. Welcome to Turkish Airlines, which has just landed in Melbourne, making history with inaugural flight TK168. I was honoured to welcome the chair Professor Dr Ahmet Bolat and the board members of Turkish Airlines, including Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. This is a massive win for Victoria, an absolute game changer, with direct flights between Istanbul and Melbourne. Turkish Airlines is the best and largest carrier in Europe, connecting Victoria to over 346 destinations.

This is an economic boost of over $132 million every year for Victoria, creating local jobs and opportunities for trade and business investment between Victoria and Türkiye. Just yesterday Turkish Airlines announced they will become Melbourne Victory’s principal partner – and I cannot wait to see the jersey.

I want to sincerely thank Professor Dr Ahmet Bolat and his whole board and also Ahmet Halid Kutluoğlu, Gökhan Cengiz, the Ambassador of Türkiye His Excellency Ufuk Gezer, consul general of Türkiye in Melbourne Doğan Işık, the CEO of Melbourne Airport Lorie Argus and the whole team at Melbourne Airport for all their work.

It has been an amazing weekend for Victorians, including the Turkish community in Melbourne. This is a historic moment, a moment that opens the doors for many opportunities between Victoria and Türkiye.