(USASABAH)
Turkish Airlines today announced that legendary basketball star Kobe Bryant has been named a global brand ambassador for the airline for the next two years.
Turkish Airlines, the fourth biggest network carrier in Europe, has rapidly expanded its U.S. presence in recent years and will be launching its first non-stop flight from the West Coast. The airline will offer four flights per week from Los Angeles' LAX Airport to Atatürk Airport in Istanbul beginning March 3, 2011. Mr. Bryant is scheduled to make several appearances on behalf of Turkish Airlines in the coming year, including for the planned Los Angeles launch.
"I'm so proud to be chosen as a global brand ambassador for Turkish Airlines. They have been providing travelers with excellent service for 77 years, and I'm glad that U.S. travelers, including my fellow Angelenos, are able to experience Turkish Airlines first-hand," said Mr. Bryant.
"Turkey is a country rich in natural beauty and thousands of years of cultural history, and I'm proud to partner with Turkish Airlines to bring that majesty to people around the world."
"We are looking forward to working with Mr. Bryant to further build awareness of Turkish Airlines in the United States and around the world," said Dr. Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines.
"Next year Turkish Airlines will operate four U.S. gateways: New York, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. We could not be more thrilled to have an athlete of Mr. Bryant's unsurpassed skill and recognition to represent our brand globally."