Boeing has secured its largest 737 MAX order of 2024, with Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines committing to purchase 100 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, with options for an additional 100. This deal, announced on December 19, 2024, marks a significant achievement for Boeing, which has faced a challenging year due to production issues and regulatory scrutiny. Pegasus Airlines, known for its young fleet and aggressive growth strategy, has placed this order as part of its fleet modernization and expansion plans. The 737-10, the largest variant in the MAX family, can seat up to 230 passengers and offers a range of 5,740 kilometers, making it an ideal choice for Pegasus to extend its network across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. The airlines' CEO, Güliz Öztürk, emphasized that this acquisition aligns with their goal to continue growth in Türkiye and globally, aiming for both capacity and sustainability.
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The agreement is valued at around $36 billion at list prices, although significant discounts are customary in such large deals. The delivery of the first 737-10s to Pegasus is anticipated in 2028, subject to certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has yet to approve the MAX 10 model. This timeline fits with Pegasus's strategic planning, allowing for fleet integration and route expansion over the next few years. Boeing's President and CEO of Commercial Airplanes, Stephanie Pope, expressed pride in the continued partnership with Pegasus, highlighting the efficiency, versatility, and reliability of the 737-10.
This order boosts Boeing's backlog for the 737 MAX 10 to over 1,200 jets, providing a much-needed morale and financial boost to the company after a tumultuous period marked by a mid-air incident and subsequent production halt. The deal also signifies Boeing's commitment to its National Aerospace Initiative with Türkiye, fostering opportunities for local manufacturing and technology transfer. For Pegasus, whose operations began with Boeing aircraft in 1990, this order not only modernizes its fleet but also strengthens its operational commonality, leveraging existing infrastructure and pilot training.
This order is a testament to the resilience of Boeing's 737 MAX program amidst adversity and underscores the confidence airlines continue to place in Boeing's narrowbody aircraft despite recent challenges. It's a pivotal moment for both Boeing and Pegasus, setting the stage for future expansion and enhanced service offerings.