Boeing Salvages Turkish Airlines MAX Deal After Engine Dispute

Boeing is close to salvaging a major deal for 150 Turkish Airlines Boeing 737 MAX jets after a dispute over CFM engine maintenance and pricing threatened the agreement. The original order was part of a larger package announced in September 2025, which included up to 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. However, disagreements with CFM over engine pricing, maintenance, and long-term repair costs put the MAX portion at risk.

The dispute centered on the economics of supporting the engines used by the 737 MAX. Turkish Airlines wanted a more significant role in maintaining these engines as its fleet grows, including establishing a 'premier' maintenance facility that would provide accelerated access to newer repair technologies and expand its capabilities in managing engine maintenance.

A finalized contract would resolve an unusually visible threat to a Boeing deal, which was associated with the relationship between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump. The agreement also highlights how aircraft purchases are increasingly shaped by the economics of long-term support, including engine availability, repair costs, spare-parts exposure, and access to maintenance capabilities.

For Boeing, retaining the Turkish Airlines MAX order would protect a substantial narrowbody commitment at a time when major airlines are making long-term fleet decisions around capacity growth and aircraft availability. It would also reinforce the manufacturer's position with a carrier that already operates the MAX and is planning significant fleet expansion.