ISTANBUL- Turkish Airlines (TK) continues negotiations to complete the Boeing segment of a significant planned order intended to bolster its long-term expansion strategy.
The Star Alliance member revealed its intention to place an order for 400 narrow-body and 200 wide-body aircraft last year, aiming to double its fleet to over 800 aircraft within the next decade. Originally targeting a mid-2023 finalization for the orders.
Turkish Airlines Boeing Order
Although the completion of both orders faced delays, Turkish Airlines revealed commitments for 345 Airbus aircraft in December.
This encompasses firm orders for 70 A350s, including five freighters, with options for an additional 25, and orders for 150 A321neos and options for another 100 of these single-aisle jets.
“Our discussions with Boeing are still ongoing,” stated Murat Seker, Turkish Airlines’ Chief Financial Officer, during the company’s 2023 earnings call on April 4. “Just a few days ago, our Chief Investment Officer met with Boeing executives. Our negotiations are ongoing.”
Seker downplayed suggestions that Boeing’s recent management changes or production issues were causing delays in reaching a deal, reiterating previous remarks that the order’s complexity also involves finalizing an engine order.
“With the Max specifically, decisions may come a bit later, but we don’t anticipate any technical issues with the widebodies,” he explains. “The ongoing negotiations encompass both the aircraft and the engine, which we are endeavoring to manage simultaneously.”
In the meantime, Turkish Airlines secured leases for 25 Boeing Max jets and three 787s last year while also ordering 10 additional A350-900s to meet its fleet requirements over the next three years.
At the close of 2023, Turkish Airlines operated a fleet of 440 aircraft. It anticipates receiving 52 new aircraft this year and retiring eight, concluding 2024 with a fleet of 484 aircraft.
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