Summary
- Turkish Airlines is in talks with Boeing after announcing plans to purchase 235 aircraft in April 2024.
- The final decision depends on engine prices, with a potential order for 150 MAXs and 75 Dreamliners.
- The Istanbul-based carrier plans significant fleet expansion after ordering 220 Airbus aircraft in 2023.
Turkish Airlines is in talks with Boeing to strike a deal for 150 Boeing 737 MAXs and 75 787 Dreamliners. However, the final decision depends on the outcome of jet engine price negotiations. The Istanbul-based carrier plans to further expand its fleet after placing a significant order for Airbus aircraft in December 2023.
Up to 250 new aircraft
Speaking to the media at the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dubai, Turkish Airlines Board and Executive Committee Chairman Ahmet Bolat said that the airline is discussing target prices, commercial terms, and the cost of engines for up to 225 Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft.
The order could reach 250 aircraft, with an additional 25 737 MAXs. In April 2023, Turkish Airlines disclosed that it was negotiating with both Airbus and Boeing to purchase 235 new aircraft to support its growth plans. As reported by Reuters, the carrier is in advanced talks with Boeing, although Airbus remains in contention.
Photo: EvrenKalinbacak | Shutterstock
The final decision depends on the price of CFM International’s LEAP-1B engines, the exclusive powerplant for the MAX, as well as production slots at the manufacturer. Ahmet Bolat said,
“We could announce the Boeing order earlier, but there is an engine issue. A decision depends on CFM’s prices, and that is why it will take a little longer.”
The airline has made a counter-proposal to CFM and is waiting for feedback from the engine manufacturer. As such, there is no specific timeline for the final agreement. According to ch-aviation, Turkish Airlines currently has 32 737 MAXs in its fleet, comprising 27 MAX 8s and five MAX 9s. It also has 23 B787-9 Dreamliners.
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The move will provide additional capacity on the route.
Significant fleet expansion
Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 455 aircraft comprising various Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies and widebodies. It plans to grow its fleet to 810 aircraft in the next ten years. In December 2023, the airline placed a landmark order for 220 Airbus aircraft, adding to its order book with the European manufacturer.
Photo: Oleh Yatskiv | Shutterstock
The airline signed the deal with the European manufacturer to secure the fast-filling production slots. It wants to work with both manufacturers, as Airbus remains in contention for the new order. Turkish Airlines aims to mitigate risks by utilizing both products available on the market. Bolat added,
“We know the position of Airbus, we know the price, the selling conditions and also the slots. We will go with whichever one gives the slots, prices, and also, the engine is very important.”
With the carrier’s Airbus single-aisle order, it can take engines from CFM International, the joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, or American manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. Meanwhile, all 737 MAX variants use the CFM International LEAP-1B engines. Regarding the safety and quality issues faced by Boeing, Turkish Airlines is confident that the manufacturer will solve its problems.
Last significant order
Last year, Airbus announced that Turkish Airlines would expand its fleet with 220 more aircraft, split between 150 A321s and 70 A350s. The widebody order comprises 50 A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s, and five A350 Freighters. This followed two orders earlier in the year for 14 A350-900s.
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The order highlights the carrier’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and passenger comfort and supports its vision to be a leader in the air transport market while growing sustainably. Turkish Airlines currently serves more international destinations than any other airline and plans to offer customers access to even more destinations over the next few years.
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