Turkish Airlines and Boeing Reach Deal on 150 737 MAX Aircraft
Turkish Airlines and Boeing are close to finalizing a deal for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, but not without some drama. The airline had held up the order due to a dispute with CFM International over engine maintenance terms.
The LEAP-1B engine is the sole powerplant provider for the 737 MAX family, giving CFM significant leverage in negotiations. Turkish Airlines wanted an industrial arrangement that would place LEAP engine maintenance work in Türkiye, which would have been a significant economic boost to the country.
The airline had threatened to switch to Airbus if the terms weren't met, but ultimately agreed to a possible investment in an engine maintenance facility in Türkiye as part of the deal. The agreement may be concluded next week, according to Reuters.