Turkish Airlines Orders 50 Boeing 787s Eyes 100 737 MAX Jets

Post by : Meena Rani

Turkish Airlines has finalized a long-anticipated Boeing order, confirming the purchase of 35 787-9 and 15 787-10 aircraft, marking the carrier’s first commitment to the higher-capacity 787-10 variant.

Outline Agreement for 737 MAX Jets

The airline has also reached an outline agreement for 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, comprising a mix of 737-8s and larger 737-10s. Negotiations with CFM International over Leap-1B engine pricing are ongoing, so the MAX order has not yet been formally closed.

Options for an additional 25 787s and 50 MAXs have also been agreed with Boeing. Deliveries of the 787s are planned between 2029 and 2034.

Engine Negotiations and Fleet Strategy

Turkish Airlines continues discussions for the 787 engines with GE Aerospace and Rolls-Royce. While its current 787 fleet uses GEnx engines, collaboration with Rolls-Royce has grown with the opening of an engine shop in Istanbul for Trent engines powering Airbus widebodies.

Leadership Statement

“This landmark agreement represents much more than fleet growth,” said Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat on Sept. 26. “It reflects our leadership in the industry and our dedication to innovation and operational excellence.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope added, “We are honored that Turkish Airlines has once again chosen the 787 and 737 MAX to power its future growth. We look forward to continuing our support.”

Supporting the 2033 Vision

The new orders will enhance operational capabilities and support Turkish Airlines’ “2033 Vision”, which aims for a fleet of 800 aircraft. The 787-10s are expected to deliver 25% greater fuel efficiency and will serve high-demand routes in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.

Current Fleet and Operations

Today, Turkish Airlines operates over 200 Boeing aircraft, including 737-8/9, 737-800/900, 777-300ER, 777F, and 787-9. Its Airbus fleet also exceeds 200 aircraft, covering A320ceo/neo, A330, and A350 models. Subsidiary AJet operates A320ceos/neos and 737s.

As of June 30, Turkish Airlines’ average fleet age is 10.1 years. By the end of July, Turkish Airlines and AJet operated 491 aircraft, with a target of 520–525 by the end of 2025. The airline currently serves 353 destinations across 131 countries.

Turkish Airlines, Boeing 787, 737 MAX, fleet expansion, aviation