The Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat has revealed at the International Air Travel Association’s (IATA) annual general meeting (AGM) that talks have opened with Boeing over a possible order for 250 aircraft.
Speaking to journalists on June 4, 2024, Bolat said discussions had so far included the cost of engines for 150 737 MAXs and 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, according to Gulf News.
Bloomberg reported that the order could reach up to 250 aircraft with an additional 25 737 MAXs.
The news of a possible order with Boeing comes after Turkish Airlines placed a firm order in December 2023 with Airbus for 230 aircraft, comprised of A350-900s, A350-1000s and A350Fs.
“We finished with Airbus, we have ordered 385 aircraft; some are fixed, and some are options,” Bolat told Gulf News. “So, with Airbus, should we exercise our options or not? That is the question, but it will happen after three to four years.”
Bolat also suggested that an order with Boeing was a strategy to “split the risk” between the US planemaker and Airbus.
“Boeing has some production problems, which might happen to Airbus sometime later. Therefore, we want to mitigate the risks by using both products available in the market,” Bolat added.
Bolat added that discussions were still in the early stages and there was no deadline for any sort of final agreement.
Turkish Airlines has ambitions to operate a fleet of over 800 aircraft in ten years. The airline currently operates 455 aircraft comprising of Boeing and Airbus jets.
