Turkish Airlines 737 MAX Order Hinges on Engine Maintenance Deal

Turkish Airlines has been negotiating with Boeing over a 150-aircraft order for its 737 MAX, but the deal stalled due to a dispute with CFM International over engine maintenance terms.

The airline wants an industrial arrangement that would place LEAP engine maintenance work in Türkiye, and in return, it is willing to sign the order with Boeing. This is not about the aircraft itself, but about the engine powering it - the CFM LEAP-1B, which is the only option for the 737 MAX.

Turkish Airlines already operates Airbus A320neo family and has a growth plan that requires hundreds of single-aisle aircraft over the next decade. The airline's chairman, Ahmet Bolat, stated that if CFM comes to 'feasible economical terms,' they will sign with Boeing. However, it is worth noting that nothing is signed yet, and Reuters reported on 15 September 2026 that Boeing is close to finalising the deal.