A new stage has been reached in Turkish Airlines’ major Boeing order aimed at expanding its fleet.
According to a Reuters report on Sept. 15 citing four sources familiar with the matter, Boeing is nearing completion of Turkish Airlines’ delayed order for 150 737 MAX aircraft.
Three sources said the deal, which has regained momentum, could be signed next week. Why was the deal delayed?
The 150 737 MAX aircraft are part of a broader Boeing package covering 225 planes.
One of the main disputes in the process involved the long-term maintenance terms for the engines used on the 737 MAX aircraft.
According to Reuters, Turkish Airlines and engine manufacturer CFM disagreed over maintenance costs and the terms of industrial cooperation.
The process progressed to the point where Turkish Airlines’ possible withdrawal from the 150-aircraft order and a shift to Airbus as an alternative came onto the agenda.
An engine maintenance center in Türkiye is under consideration
One notable issue in the talks is the establishment of advanced engine maintenance capacity in Türkiye.
According to industry sources cited by Reuters, Turkish Airlines aims to become one of CFM’s leading partners in maintaining the engines that power its 737 MAX aircraft and to establish a maintenance facility that could provide faster access to advanced repair technologies.
However, it has not been disclosed whether the parties have reached a final agreement on the issue.
Order announced after Erdoğan–Trump meeting
The order covering 150 737 MAX aircraft is part of a broader Boeing package for a total of 225 planes.
The package was announced after a meeting last year between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump.
The timing of the aircraft deal is now drawing particular attention as Erdoğan is expected to travel to New York again during the week of the U.N. General Assembly and meet with Trump.
Reuters also highlighted reports in the Turkish press that Erdoğan and Trump are expected to meet again during the U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York.
However, no information has been announced indicating that the 150-aircraft deal will be signed during a possible Erdoğan–Trump meeting.
Turkish Airlines continues to expand its fleet
Turkish Airlines’ growth plans are not limited to the 737 MAX.
The company is also evaluating different aircraft options to support the expansion of its Istanbul-based flight network.
According to remarks by Turkish Airlines Chief Financial Officer Okan Baş at an industry meeting, the company is examining regional aircraft such as the Embraer E2 and Airbus A220, as well as wide-body models including the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350-1000.
Attention turns to next week
According to Reuters’ sources, talks over the long-delayed order for 150 737 MAX aircraft are back on track.
If finalized, the deal will be a notable development not only for Turkish Airlines’ fleet expansion strategy but also for economic and trade relations between Türkiye and the United States.
Attention is now focused on official announcements from Boeing, Turkish Airlines and the companies involved.
