Turkish Airlines finalizes order for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

TÜRKİYE – Turkish Airlines has finalized an agreement with Boeing for up to 150 737 MAX aircraft, including 100 firm Boeing 737-8 aircraft and options for an additional 50 737 MAX aircraft, marking the airline’s largest-ever Boeing single-aisle order, according to a joint statement.

Turkish Airlines will also have the right to substitute the Boeing 737-10, the largest aircraft in the 737 MAX family.

This flexibility is intended to help the airline align aircraft capacity with passenger demand as it expands its Istanbul-based network across domestic and international markets. The agreement was finalized in the presence of Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan.

Efficiency and network growth

For Turkish Airlines, the order is part of its broader fleet expansion strategy, with the new aircraft expected to strengthen operations on high-demand short- and medium-haul routes.

Moreover, the 737-8 could offer substantial belly-hold cargo capacity on short- and medium-haul routes, increasing freight capacity on regional and intercontinental connections through Istanbul.

Boeing says the 737-8 offers up to 20% lower fuel consumption and emissions than the aircraft it replaces, supporting cost efficiency on routes where belly cargo supplements passenger revenue.

“This agreement marks another significant step in the continued expansion of our fleet,” said Professor Murat Şeker, chairman of the board and executive committee of Turkish Airlines. “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.”

Istanbul’s growing transit hub role

The order reinforces Istanbul’s status as a global transit hub linking Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Turkish Airlines already operates one of the world’s largest networks, and the expanded narrowbody fleet will increase frequency and capacity on short- and medium-haul routes feeding traffic through Istanbul Airport.

“This order reflects the trust and shared vision that have defined our long-standing partnership with Turkish Airlines,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We’re proud to continue our support of Türkiye’s aviation ecosystem and Turkish Airlines as it grows its Istanbul-based network, connecting more people and destinations worldwide.”

Industrial cooperation framework

The agreement is part of a broader industrial cooperation framework between Boeing and Turkish Airlines.

Earlier in 2026, the companies signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Participation, establishing a framework for long-term cooperation in skill development, value creation, and business awards.

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