Turkish Airlines on Friday placed an order with Boeing that could amount to over 200 new aircraft, essentially doubling its Boeing-made passenger fleet.
In a statement, Boeing said the Istanbul-based carrier agreed to purchase up to 75 787 Dreamliners and up to 150 737 MAX aircraft. The Dreamliner order includes 35 787-9s and 15 787-10s.
Financial details were not disclosed.
Airline officials said the new 787-9s will help expand passenger and cargo capacity and improve fuel efficiency on high-demand long-haul routes between Turkey and the U.S., Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
“The addition of these advanced Boeing aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also become a significant element supporting Turkish Airlines’ 2033 Vision of expanding our fleet to 800 aircraft,” Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat said in a news release.
The deal was announced one day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where the prospect of aircraft sales was discussed.
Turkish Airlines currently operates over 200 Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9, 777, 737 MAX, 737NG, and 777 Freighter. It has around 400 passenger airplanes in total.
Turkish Airlines flies nonstop to 17 destinations in the U.S. and Canada, including New York-JFK, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Montreal, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
Norwegian Order
Boeing also announced Friday that low-cost airline Norwegian Air Shuttle has agreed to buy 30 737 MAX 8s. The commitment increases Norwegian’s order book for the 737 MAX to 80 airplanes.
“This milestone aircraft order is on attractive terms and secures our fleet growth in a way that supports our planned growth and sustainability targets,” said Norwegian CEO Geir Karlsen in a news release. “By exercising the options and adjusting the delivery profile, we maintain flexibility while reinforcing our commitment to operating one of the most modern and fuel-efficient fleets in Europe.”
Norwegian was the first airline in Europe to take delivery of the 737 MAX in 2017.
