Turkish Airlines secures next-generation aircraft

The Turkish airline Turkish Airlines has announced significant progress in its fleet modernization and plans to acquire 75 Boeing B787 aircraft as well as up to 150 Boeing 737-8/10 MAX planes. Negotiations with engine manufacturer CFM International are currently underway for this purpose. This announcement follows a meeting of President Tayyip Erdogan with former U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Trump expressed his hope that Turkey would refrain from importing Russian oil in the future. This could possibly lead to the lifting of U.S. sanctions, allowing Turkey to acquire American F-35 fighter jets. According to a statement to the Istanbul Stock Exchange, Turkish Airlines plans to purchase 75 B787-9 and B787-10 models from Boeing, with 50 firm and 25 optional orders. Delivery of these aircraft is scheduled between 2029 and 2034. Negotiations regarding engines, spare engines, and maintenance services are currently being conducted with Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace. Furthermore, talks on acquiring 150 Boeing 737-8/10 MAX have been concluded, with 100 designated as firm and 50 as optional orders. The final order of these models depends on the successful conclusion of discussions with CFM International. Turkish Airlines emphasized that with these orders, the entire fleet is expected to consist of next-generation aircraft by 2035, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and support an average annual growth of 6%.