Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, is in the midst of ambitious expansion plans. To accommodate this growth, the airline is currently engaged in negotiations with both Airbus and Boeing to acquire a significant number of new aircraft – a total of 235 planes. This news comes after Turkish Airlines unveiled its 10-year fleet plan last year, which outlined a goal of nearly doubling its fleet size. This negotiation process follows a substantial order placed with Airbus in December 2023. That agreement secured 355 Airbus jets, including both A321 narrow-body aircraft and A350 wide-body models, bolstering Turkish Airlines' capacity for both short and long-haul routes.
.gif)
Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of Turkish Airlines, emphasized the airline's commitment to a balanced approach when it comes to its aircraft suppliers. He pointed out their history of working with both Airbus and Boeing and highlighted their current wait for Boeing to address recent production issues before finalizing a deal. Bolat reassured that the airline is in no rush to make a decision. The potential Boeing order is significant not only for Turkish Airlines but also for the American aircraft manufacturer.
Boeing has faced challenges in recent years, including a production slowdown caused by a safety incident in January 2023. Securing a deal with a major airline like Turkish Airlines could provide a much-needed boost for Boeing. The expansion plans outlined by Turkish Airlines reflect optimism about the future of the aviation industry. The additional 235 aircraft would bring the airline's total fleet to nearly 800 by 2033.
This growth would allow Turkish Airlines to further solidify its position as a major player in global aviation, connecting passengers across a wider network and potentially offering more travel options to and from Turkey. It remains to be seen how the negotiations between Turkish Airlines, Airbus, and Boeing will play out. The outcome could significantly impact the future fleet composition of the Turkish carrier and influence the fortunes of both major aircraft manufacturers.