Deal includes 50 firm orders plus 25 options as carrier pursues aggressive fleet expansion goals
Turkish Airlines finalized a deal with Boeing for up to 75 widebody aircraft from the 787 Dreamliner series, marking the Istanbul-based carrier’s largest-ever Boeing widebody purchase.
The agreement encompasses 50 firm orders and options for 25 additional aircraft. Of the confirmed orders, 35 will be Boeing 787-9 variants while 15 will be the larger 787-10 model.
Boeing said the order “will support more than 123,000 jobs across the US” as Turkish Airlines charts an ambitious course for fleet and network expansion.
“This landmark agreement represents much more than fleet growth. It is a reflection of our leadership in the industry as well as our dedication to innovation and operational excellence,” said Ahmet Bolat, who serves as Chair of the Board and Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines.
The order directly supports Turkish Airlines’ 2033 Vision of reaching 800 aircraft in its fleet. Bolat noted that “the addition of these advanced Boeing aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities, but also become a significant element supporting Turkish Airlines’ 2033 Vision of expanding our fleet to 800 aircraft.”
To meet that target, the carrier must add 300 aircraft over eight years. The 50 firm Dreamliner orders represent one-sixth of that growth requirement. Should Turkish Airlines exercise all 25 options, the total 75 aircraft would account for a quarter of the needed expansion.
Turkish Airlines currently operates 24 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with an average age of 4.4 years, significantly newer than the fleet-wide average of 13 years. The existing 787-9s feature 300 seats configured with 30 business class and 270 economy class seats.
The carrier also announced its intent to purchase up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody aircraft, which would become its largest Boeing single-aisle order when finalized. Combined with the Dreamliner deal, these orders would double Turkish Airlines’ Boeing fleet.
Turkish Airlines’ current narrowbody fleet includes 69 Boeing 737-800s, 15 Boeing 737-900ERs, 27 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and five Boeing 737 MAX 9s. The widebody fleet features the 24 Dreamliners plus 36 Boeing 777-300ERs.
The Star Alliance member operates from its Istanbul hub with both Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 variants now planned for long-haul route expansion as the carrier positions itself for significant capacity growth in international markets.
Key Takeaways
- Turkish Airlines secured its largest-ever Boeing widebody order with up to 75 Dreamliner aircraft (50 firm orders, 25 options).
- The deal directly supports the carrier’s 2033 Vision to expand its fleet to 800 aircraft, requiring 300 new planes over eight years.
- Turkish Airlines also announced intent to purchase up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody aircraft in a separate agreement.
- Combined orders would double the airline’s Boeing fleet and support more than 123,000 US jobs.
- The expansion represents significant capacity growth for the Istanbul-based Star Alliance member’s international network.
