Turkish Airlines (THY) has signed an agreement with Boeing for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft — 100 firm orders and 50 options — in a deal finalized in the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
According to a statement from THY, the agreement, reached after talks that began in 2025, represents the airline’s largest single-aisle aircraft order with Boeing to date. It is intended to strengthen the carrier’s short- and medium-haul network and support its fleet expansion strategy.
The order covers 100 firm Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with an option for an additional 50 737 MAX jets. The agreement also gives Turkish Airlines the flexibility to shift to the Boeing 737-10, the largest model in the 737 MAX family, allowing the airline to adjust fleet capacity based on passenger demand and operational needs across its network.
The new aircraft are expected to strengthen THY’s short- and medium-haul operations on its high-demand domestic and international routes. Alongside the range and payload advantages of the 737-8, the aircraft is expected to cut fuel consumption and emissions by 20%, supporting the airline’s operational needs as it expands its fleet and network.
THY and its low-cost subsidiary AJet currently operate more than 200 Boeing aircraft, including 737 MAX, 737 Next-Generation, 787 Dreamliner, 777 and 777 Freighter models. The new order builds on the companies’ long-standing partnership, following a 2025 order for 75 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Beyond the aircraft order, THY and Boeing continue long-term cooperation focused on Turkey’s aviation ecosystem. The two companies signed a strategic memorandum of understanding this year on industrial participation, built around three pillars: capability development, value creation and business opportunities.
The framework aims to develop technical capabilities, share technology and expertise, support workforce development, strengthen sustainability efforts, and create new industrial cooperation opportunities. Combined with the aircraft order, it reflects Boeing’s long-term commitment to supporting Turkey’s aviation sector, extending the companies’ partnership beyond fleet growth alone.
Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Turkish Airlines Board of Directors and Executive Committee, said the agreement marks an important step in the airline’s fleet growth strategy. “The new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will bring greater efficiency and flexibility to our operations, supporting our extensive flight network from our hub in Istanbul,” Şeker said.
