[February 20, 2013]

Turkish Airlines Flies Teenage Oscar® Nominees from Streets of Kabul to Red Carpet

Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com) has shown that dreams do come true - particularly in the case of two Afghan teens hoping to make it to the Oscars®.

Fawad Mohammadi and Jawanmardi Piaz before boarding a Turkish Airlines flight in Kabul, Afghanistan (Photo: Business Wire)

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short, "Buzkashi Boys" is the story of two best friends who realize their dreams while playing Afghanistan's version of polo in one of the most war-torn countries in the world. With the nomination, the film's teenage star, Fawad Mohammadi, became eligible for a ticket to the awards but his co-star Jawanmardi Piaz did not. What followed was a social fundraising campaign on Rally.org (https://rally.org/buzkashiboys) which quickly turned into a worldwide phenomenon. The goal was to raise $10,000 to get both stars to Los Angeles and that money was raised in just over a week. This story caught the attention of executives at Turkish Airlines' Los Angeles office who immediately sought to help.

"I was both impressed and moved with the determination that these two boys possessed in the hopes of attending the Oscars® to represent their film," said Fatma Yuceler, Turkish Airlines General Manager, Western U.S.A. "At the time of our involvement, they had already come close to reaching their ten-thousand dollar goal. Our ticket donations will allow them to set aside the funds that they already raised and put them into a college fund for Mohammadi. We are proud that we could be a part of making their dream a reality."

Turkish Airlines has donated two tickets in addition to a third for an adult chaperone. This trip is the first out of the country for Fawad.

About Turkish Airlines:

Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 207 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 219 cities around the world, comprised of 36 domestic and 183 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several "Passengers Choice Awards" from the consumer ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 and 2012 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner of "Best Airline Europe", "Best Premium Economy Seats" for its Comfort Class seats and "Best Airline Southern Europe". It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of "World's Best Economy Class On-board Catering" in 2010, and Skyscanner's "Best On-board Food 2011". Long haul Business Class passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130220006337/en/

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