Turkish Airlines Nears Deal with Boeing for 150 737 MAX Jets

Boeing is close to finalizing a deal for Turkish Airlines' 150 737 MAX jet order after the carrier threatened to switch to Airbus over engine prices and maintenance terms. The agreement could be signed next week, according to sources familiar with the talks.

The 737 MAX order was part of a larger package that Turkish Airlines announced in September 2025, following a meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump. The carrier placed firm orders for 50 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and took options for 25 more, but the 150 MAX aircraft were contingent on an agreement with CFM International, which makes the LEAP-1B engines used by the 737 MAX.

The dispute centered on the price of engine support and how Turkish Airlines and CFM would divide the risk of rising repair costs under a long-term service agreement. Turkish Airlines also sought permission to establish its own MAX engine maintenance center as part of CFM's top service tier, which would give the carrier faster access to repair methods and technology.

The sides have reportedly reached an understanding on these issues, paving the way for the signing of the deal next week. However, it is unclear whether Turkish Airlines will establish its own maintenance center or accept CFM's proposed terms.