Turkish Airlines Orders 150 737 MAX Aircraft, Engine Details Pending

Turkish Airlines has finalized a long-awaited agreement with Boeing for up to 150 737 MAX aircraft, the largest-ever Boeing single-aisle aircraft order by the flag carrier.

According to statements from Turkish Airlines and Boeing, the order comprises 100 firm 737-8s and options for an additional 50 737 MAX aircraft. The agreement also includes substitution rights for the 737-10.

Turkish Airlines has held talks since 2025 regarding this order. However, no solution has been found or an agreement reached over Turkish Airlines´ request for a deal on engine maintenance.

News agency Reuters had reported Sept. 15 that Turkish Airlines may walk away from the high-profile deal in a dispute over maintenance with engine maker CFM.

A Turkish Airlines spokesperson told Aviation Week on Sept. 23 that there is still no announcement regarding the engines for this order, adding the airline will “provide information on the engine issue as soon it is available.”

The agreement for the 737 MAX order was finalized in the presence of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

“This agreement marks another significant step in the continued expansion of our fleet. The new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will bring greater efficiency and flexibility to our operations, supporting the extensive network we serve from our hub in Istanbul,” Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and the executive committee Murat Şeker said in the statement.

“This order reflects the trust and shared vision that have defined our long-standing partnership with Turkish Airlines,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stephanie Pope says.

Şeker told Aviation Week sister publication ATW in June that Turkish Airlines is also evaluating the forthcoming 777X. “That’s an aircraft type we looked closely at as we negotiated for the 787, for which we placed an order with Boeing in September last year,” Şeker said. “That order did not include 777Xs, but we have options that can be converted to some 777X-9s.

In 2025, Turkish Airlines ordered up to 75 787s.

Şeker also said in June that Turkish Airlines is reconsidering regional jets and has started talks with the OEMs [Airbus and Embraer].

Turkish Airlines, including its LCC subsidiary AJet, operates a fleet of more than 200 Boeing aircraft, including the 737 MAX, 787s, 777-300s, 737NGs and 777Fs. The airline said its total fleet comprises 567 passenger and cargo aircraft.