Turkish Airlines Engages in Negotiations with Boeing for Purchase of 225 Jets

Turkish Airlines is currently in discussions with Boeing regarding a potential order of 150 737 Max narrow-body jets and 75 wide-body Boeing 787 planes.

The Chairman , Ahmet Bolat, revealed on Tuesday that while negotiations are progressing, the final decision rests on reaching an agreement on engine prices. Reports from Bloomberg suggest that the order could expand to include up to 250 aircraft, with an additional 25 737 MAXs. This news has notably boosted Boeing’s stock, signaling the potential for a significant deal with the renowned carrier.

However, Bolat emphasized that the talks are still in their early stages, with no concrete timeline established for a final agreement. If successful, this deal with Boeing would follow Turkish Airlines’ commitment made in December to purchase 230 Airbus planes.

In April, Bolat had expressed the airline’s intention to acquire an additional 235 aircraft, encompassing both narrow-body and wide-body models. Despite recent challenges faced by Boeing, Bolat expressed confidence in the manufacturer’s ability to address its issues, citing their proactive measures.

Turkish Airlines initially opted for a 355-plane order with Airbus to secure rapidly filling production slots. While Airbus remains in contention for the new order, Bolat emphasized the airline’s strategy to work with both manufacturers to mitigate risks.

“We want to mitigate the risks by using both products available in the market,” Bolat stated, underscoring turkish airlines plans to expand its fleet from 455 to 810 planes within the next decade.

The decision on the manufacturer will ultimately hinge on several factors, including slot availability, pricing, and, notably, engine specifications. Bolat reiterated that the airline will choose the option that offers the most favorable terms in these areas, highlighting the importance of engine considerations in the final decision-making process.