Turkey's national carrier, Turkish Airlines, has announced that it will order 220 more aircraft from Airbus, including 150 A321neo and 70 A350 models. The order is part of the airline's strategic plan to expand its fleet and network in the next decade.
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The A321neo is a narrow-body jet that offers improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and higher passenger comfort compared to previous versions. Turkish Airlines already ordered 92 of these planes and plans to replace its aging fleet of A320s and A321s with newer models. The A321neo can carry up to 240 passengers and has a range of up to 4,500 kilometers.
The A350 is a wide-body jet with advanced technology, such as carbon fiber composite wings, winglets with sharklets, and a larger cabin. Turkish Airlines already ordered 36 of these planes and aims to increase its long-haul capacity and connectivity with the new models. The A350 can carry up to 440 passengers and has a range of up to 15,000 kilometers. The order for 220 additional aircraft from Airbus is expected to be finalized after the approval of the Turkish Airlines board of directors. The delivery schedule will depend on the availability of slots at airports and the certification process by regulators. The order will also include options for future deliveries.
Turkish Airlines currently operates a fleet of over 400 aircraft, serving more than 340 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. The airline carried over 71 million passengers in the first nine months of 2023, up by nearly 18 percent from a year ago. The airline plans to grow its fleet to over 800 aircraft by 2033 and double its passenger count by then. The order for more Airbus aircraft is one of the biggest deals in aviation history and reflects Turkish Airlines' ambition to become a global leader in air travel. The order will also strengthen Airbus' position as one of the main suppliers for Turkish Airlines.
