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Turkish Airlines could switch its recently announced order for Boeing 737 MAX jets to rival Airbus if negotiations with U.S.–French engine manufacturer CFM International fail to reach favorable terms, the carrier’s chairman said Wednesday.
“If CFM comes to feasible economic terms, then we are going to sign with Boeing,” Turkish Airlines Chair Ahmet Bolat told Reuters in Stockholm.
“If CFM continues its stance, we’ll change to Airbus. With Airbus, I have choices,” he added, referring to the European planemaker’s two engine suppliers.
Bolat said talks with CFM had made some progress, but cost disagreements remained unresolved. CFM, the world’s largest aircraft engine maker by units sold, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Boeing declined to comment.
The deal forms part of Turkish Airlines’ massive fleet expansion plan to reach 800 aircraft by 2033.
The carrier, which already ordered more than 200 Airbus jets in 2023, announced in late September a planned purchase of 225 Boeing aircraft—75 wide-body Dreamliners (B787-9 and B787-10) and 150 737 MAX narrow-bodies.
According to a statement posted on Türkiye’s Public Disclosure Platform, deliveries of the Dreamliners are scheduled between 2029 and 2034. The order includes 50 firm and 25 optional B787 aircraft.
“Negotiations with Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace regarding the procurement of engines, spare engines, and maintenance services for these aircraft are ongoing,” the airline said.
The purchase of the 150 737-8 and 737-10 MAX aircraft—including 100 firm and 50 optional orders—is contingent on reaching a deal with CFM International. “Subject to the successful conclusion of ongoing discussions with engine manufacturer CFM International, orders for the 737-8/10 MAX aircraft will also be placed,” Turkish Airlines added.
The agreement was announced during a Sept. 25 meeting in Washington between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack confirmed the order the following day during Erdogan’s visit to the White House.
Bolat said Turkish Airlines remains in regular contact with Boeing about future aircraft acquisitions, including the 777X—the world’s largest twin-engine passenger jet, which has faced repeated production delays and is now expected to be ready in 2027, seven years behind schedule.
“Once we have the right time, we’re going to order some 777X,” Bolat said, adding that the airline was in “no rush” to place an order but is assessing which long-haul routes would best suit the aircraft.
Turkish Airlines has been deepening partnerships with both U.S. and European manufacturers as part of its long-term fleet modernization program.
The carrier aims to transition its entire fleet to new-generation aircraft by 2035, boosting fuel efficiency and maintaining an average annual growth rate of around 6%.
Last year, Turkish Airlines signed a deal with Boeing for four 777 freighters to strengthen its global air cargo operations, while low-cost rival Pegasus also ordered 200 Boeing aircraft.
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