Turkish Airlines and Boeing Close to Finalizing 737 MAX Deal After Weeks-Long Negotiations

Turkish Airlines and Boeing have reportedly resolved their dispute over maintenance costs for the 737 MAX jets, which had threatened to derail a major order. According to sources, the two sides are close to finalizing a deal for 150 of the aircraft, part of a package announced after Turkish President Erdogan's meeting with US President Trump last year.

The agreement comes after weeks of negotiations over who should bear the risk of long-term repairs, with Boeing and engine maker CFM, co-owned by General Electric and France's Safran, disagreeing on prices. Turkish Airlines had initially threatened to walk away from the deal and switch to Airbus instead, citing a dispute over prices.

The airline is one of the world's largest carriers, with a mixed fleet of over 400 Boeing and jets. Industry sources said that Turkish Airlines wanted to open its own maintenance plant for engines that power the 737 MAX, which would grant it accelerated access to the latest repair technology.