Turkish Airlines Places Record Order for Boeing 737 MAX Jets

Turkish Airlines has finalized a deal to purchase 100 firm and 50 optional Boeing 737 MAX jets, resolving long-standing engine pricing disputes. The $30 billion order includes 75 Dreamliners, which supports local maintenance plans.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Turkish President Erdoğan and Boeing's CEO, following threats from Turkish Airlines to switch to Airbus due to CFM engine costs. As part of the deal, concessions were made on engine pricing, local maintenance infrastructure, and service risk sharing.

The 737 MAX 8 is said to be ideal for Turkish's dense international network due to its operational flexibility. The order may lead to expanded route capacity and improved on-time performance as Turkish adds fuel-efficient narrowbodies.