Boeing and Turkish Airlines Close in on 737 MAX Deal After Maintenance Dispute
Turkish Airlines and Boeing are close to finalizing a deal for 150 of its 737 MAX jets, which had stalled due to a dispute over maintenance terms with engine maker CFM. The order is part of a larger package of 225 jets announced last year following a meeting between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump.
The carrier had threatened to drop the order and opt for Airbus jets, citing pricing disputes with CFM. However, it appears that both parties have reached a compromise on the industrial arrangement for engine maintenance. The airline has been seeking a long-term agreement on repair costs, which is becoming increasingly common in the industry.
The deal would spare the White House an awkward reversal of last year's announcement. Turkish media reports suggest that Trump and Erdogan may meet again next week during the United Nations General Assembly gatherings in New York.