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Turkish Airlines nears major aircraft deal amid ongoing expansion efforts

Turkish Airlines nears major aircraft deal amid ongoing expansion efforts
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Turkish Airlines | Wikipedia

Boeing has adopted a lower-profile presence at this year's Paris Air Show following the crash of Air India Flight 171, involving a 787-8 Dreamliner. The company's leadership canceled their attendance to focus on the investigation, resulting in no major aircraft orders announced at Le Bourget.

Despite this, Turkish Airlines is reportedly close to finalizing a large aircraft order with Boeing. According to Turkish Airlines Chair Ahmet Bolat, final discussions were expected to occur in Paris but were delayed due to Boeing's change in plans. In the meantime, the airline is proceeding with new leasing activity and plans to sign deals for narrowbody aircraft at the show.

Bolat confirmed during a roundtable at the Paris Air Show that discussions with Boeing are nearly complete, with pricing and engine cost negotiations being the final hurdle. "We had a final gap between us and Boeing. I was hoping that we could close that here in Le Bourget, but they had to fly to India for the event that happened," he said.

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While a final agreement could not be reached during the air show, Bolat stated that an agreement is near. “I think we are very close,” he added, emphasizing the focus on reaching terms that will support sustainable growth for the airline.

Turkish Airlines has not disclosed specifics about the number or type of aircraft under discussion. However, it is anticipated that this order will bolster its long-haul expansion as it grows into one of the largest international networks globally. The airline aims for an 8% annual growth rate despite delivery delays affecting both Boeing and Airbus.

At the same round table during the airshow, Bolat mentioned plans to lease 14 new narrowbody aircraft from Carlyle Aviation Partners and Avolon, comprising both Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo models. Deliveries are expected by 2028.

The agreements were expected to be announced on June 17 but have not been officially confirmed yet. Additionally, Turkish Airlines is navigating regulatory challenges in India related to its wet lease agreement with IndiGo.

Currently operating a fleet of 449 aircraft with over 300 more on order primarily from Airbus, Turkish Airlines aims for significant expansion. It plans to grow its fleet from 500 aircraft by end of 2025 to over 800 by 2033 as part of its strategic plan.

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