Write Hatem Mohamed
Turkish Airlines has finalized an agreement with Boeing for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, marking another significant step in the airline’s long-term growth strategy. The agreement, which follows discussions between the two companies that began in 2025, represents Turkish Airlines’ largest-ever Boeing single-aisle aircraft order and will support the expansion of its fleet while strengthening its short- and medium-haul network.
The agreement was finalized in the presence of His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye.
Under the agreement, Turkish Airlines will purchase 100 Boeing 737-8 aircraft on a firm basis, with options for an additional 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The agreement also includes substitution rights for the Boeing 737-10, the largest member of the 737 MAX family, providing Turkish Airlines with greater flexibility to align its fleet capacity with growing passenger demand across its network.
Commenting on the agreement, Professor Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, said the agreement represents another significant step in the continued expansion of the airline’s fleet. He noted that the new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will provide greater efficiency and flexibility to Turkish Airlines’ operations while supporting the extensive network operated from its Istanbul hub.
Şeker added that Turkish Airlines is pleased to build on its longstanding cooperation with Boeing through an agreement that also contributes to strengthening Türkiye’s aviation ecosystem.
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the order reflects the trust and shared vision that have characterized the long-standing partnership between Boeing and Turkish Airlines. She added that Boeing is proud to continue supporting Türkiye’s aviation ecosystem and Turkish Airlines as the carrier expands its Istanbul-based network and connects more passengers and destinations around the world.
The new aircraft are expected to strengthen Turkish Airlines’ short- and medium-haul operations, particularly on high-demand domestic and international routes. The Boeing 737-8 offers a combination of range and payload flexibility, while delivering up to 20 percent lower fuel consumption and emissions compared with the aircraft it replaces. These capabilities are expected to support Turkish Airlines’ evolving operational requirements as it continues to expand its fleet and network.
Turkish Airlines, including its subsidiary AJet, currently operates more than 200 Boeing aircraft. Its Boeing fleet includes the 737 MAX, 737 Next-Generation, 787 Dreamliner, 777 and 777 Freighter.
The latest agreement further strengthens the longstanding cooperation between Turkish Airlines and Boeing and builds on the airline’s order for 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft announced in 2025.
In addition to the new aircraft agreement, Turkish Airlines and Boeing signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Participation earlier this year. The agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation built around three key pillars: skill development, value creation and business awards.
Through these pillars, the framework aims to support capability development, technology and know-how transfer, human skills development, sustainability initiatives, and new opportunities for business and industrial cooperation.
Together with the industrial participation framework, the aircraft agreement reflects Boeing’s long-term commitment to supporting Türkiye’s aviation ecosystem and broadening its partnership with Turkish Airlines beyond fleet expansion.
Founded in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Turkish Airlines is a member of Star Alliance and currently operates a fleet of 566 passenger and cargo aircraft. The airline serves 358 destinations worldwide, including 305 international and 53 domestic destinations across 133 countries.
Star Alliance was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance. Today, the alliance brings together 26 leading airlines and provides travelers with access to more than 1,150 airports across 190 countries. Turkish Airlines is among the alliance’s member airlines.
Boeing is a leading global aerospace company and one of the largest exporters in the United States. The company develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing’s global workforce and supplier network support innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact, while the company continues to emphasize safety, quality and integrity as core values.
