Invest News DetailHurriyet Daily News - Turkish national carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) has set its sights on becoming one of the world’s top 10 airlines by 2023, the year when Türkiye will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of its republic, said THY Chairman Hamdi Topcu. Speaking to the Anatolia news agency on Saturday, Topcu said they shared the 2023 vision of the Turkish government. "We want Turkish Airlines to become one of the top 10 airlines in the world with global connections and direct flights to all points," said Topcu. "We are planning to make Istanbul a hub for international flights and make Turkish Airlines a crucial cargo carrier." He said they are receiving offers for possible sponsorships from all corners of the world. THY is already a sponsor of the EuroLeague, Barcelona and Manchester United football clubs. Türkiye's flag carrier posted TRY 286 million (USD 189.4 million) net profit in 2010. It carried 6.7 million passengers in the first quarter of 2011, with an 8.7 percent year-on-year rise. Based in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. It carries approximately 25 million passengers a year, with direct flights to 126 international and 37 domestic destinations.