Karmactive Staff
Turkish Airlines has signed a deal for 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in what marks the airline’s largest-ever Boeing widebody purchase. The agreement includes 35 of the 787-9 model, 15 of the larger 787-10, and options for 25 more Dreamliners.
The Turkish carrier is thinking even bigger with plans to purchase up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which would become its largest single-aisle order when finalized. These combined orders would effectively double Turkish Airlines’ Boeing fleet as part of its expansion strategy.
“This landmark agreement represents much more than fleet growth. It is a reflection of our leadership in the industry,” said Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines Chairman. This purchase supports the airline’s “2033 Vision” to grow its fleet to 800 aircraft.
The order comes as Boeing receives positive news from regulators. The Federal Aviation Administration will restore Boeing’s limited authority to issue airworthiness certificates for some 737 MAX and 787 airplanes starting September 29. Under this new arrangement, Boeing and the FAA will alternate weeks issuing these certificates.
Turkish Airlines currently flies more than 200 Boeing jets. By adding the larger 787-10 to its fleet, the airline gains additional passenger and cargo capacity while improving fuel efficiency on busy routes between Istanbul and destinations across the U.S., Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Passengers will benefit from the 787-10’s features, including the largest windows of any widebody jet, cabin air that is less dry, lower cabin pressure altitude, and technology that detects and reduces turbulence.
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Boeing’s ties with Turkey go beyond airplane sales. The company has invested $2 billion in Turkey’s supply chain, creating nearly 5,000 local jobs and supporting the country’s aerospace sector for eight decades.
The deal provides Boeing with much-needed momentum, extending its 787 production backlog into the 2030s while building confidence in the 737 MAX program as it works to overcome past safety and production challenges.
This Boeing purchase complements Turkish Airlines’ previous Airbus order of 220 jets placed less than two years ago, which included 150 A321neo narrowbodies and 70 A350 family aircraft. This balanced approach gives the airline flexibility through dual sourcing of both narrowbody and widebody planes.
According to Boeing, the new order will support more than 123,000 jobs across the United States.
With these strategic fleet decisions, Turkish Airlines strengthens its position to transform Istanbul into a global aviation hub, competing with established Middle Eastern carriers while ensuring operational flexibility through its diverse aircraft mix.
