Write Hatem Mohamed
Turkish Airlines and CFM Expand Strategic Partnership with Agreement Covering More Than 600 LEAP-1B Engines
Agreement includes the purchase of more than 300 engines, long-term service support, and plans to establish a state-of-the-art engine maintenance facility in Türkiye
Turkish Airlines, Turkish Technic, a leading global maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, and CFM International, one of the world’s leading aircraft engine manufacturers, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the purchase of more than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spare engines, to power the airline’s expanding Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
The agreement also includes a long-term services arrangement covering the entire LEAP-1B engine fleet operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary, AJet. This includes previously ordered and delivered engines, spare engines, engines associated with leased aircraft, and engines related to potential future aircraft options, bringing the total scope to more than 600 LEAP-1B engines.
The MoU was signed during a ceremony in Istanbul by Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines; Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic; and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, one of CFM International’s two parent companies.
New Engine MRO Facility to Strengthen Türkiye’s Aviation Capabilities
The agreement also includes a material services arrangement to support the establishment of a state-of-the-art engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Türkiye. The initiative aims to expand Turkish Technic’s technical capabilities and enable the company to provide comprehensive maintenance services for LEAP-1B engines.
Commenting on the agreement, Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, said the partnership would support the airline’s growing fleet, expanding network, and operational efficiency.
He added that the comprehensive package of services would strengthen the relationship with CFM while providing the expertise, reliability, and long-term support required to develop LEAP engine MRO capabilities alongside a longstanding partner.
Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic, said the agreement would enable the company to provide comprehensive maintenance operations for LEAP engines.
He emphasized that Turkish Technic would continue investing in engine maintenance services, alongside its existing aircraft and component maintenance capabilities, in line with its long-term strategy.
CFM and Turkish Airlines Strengthen Their Longstanding Partnership
Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, described the MoU as another milestone in the successful relationship between CFM and Turkish Airlines, a trusted partner for nearly four decades.
He noted that the agreement reflects a shared ambition to support the airline’s continued growth and fleet expansion, while demonstrating a commitment to an open MRO ecosystem that offers airlines greater flexibility, competitive services, improved operational performance, and more effective cost management.
H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, the other parent company of CFM International, said the company was proud to partner with Turkish Airlines as the carrier continues to expand its global network.
He added that the airline’s confidence in CFM’s reliable and efficient engines would support the growth of its Istanbul hub and the development of its engine maintenance capabilities, expressing the company’s commitment to building on the partnership.
Supporting the Expansion of the Boeing 737 MAX Fleet
Turkish Airlines currently operates 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines, alongside 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with LEAP-1B engines, according to figures provided in the announcement.
The new agreement follows the airline’s announcement on September 23 of an order for 100 firm Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with options for an additional 50 aircraft. The expansion is intended to support the airline’s growing operations and strengthen its capacity to serve increasing passenger demand.
Since entering commercial service a decade ago, CFM has delivered more than 10,000 LEAP engines, which have collectively accumulated over 100 million flight hours.
CFM continues to enhance the LEAP engine family through technical upgrades, including a high-pressure turbine (HPT) durability kit designed to extend time on wing, as well as a reverse bleed system (RBS).
The strategic agreement marks a new chapter in the longstanding partnership between Turkish Airlines and CFM International. It will support the integration of newly ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into the airline’s expanding fleet while strengthening Turkish Technic’s engine maintenance capabilities through the planned establishment of an advanced MRO facility in Türkiye.
Through these initiatives, the partners aim to enhance operational reliability, develop local technical expertise, and support the long-term growth of Türkiye’s aviation and aircraft maintenance sector, LEAP
