Turkish Airlines to expand fleet with 225 new Boeing aircraft after Erdoğan’s US visit
Turkish Airlines announced that it will purchase 225 aircraft from Boeing. This happened immediately after Donald Trump and Erdoğan’s meeting in Washington. The deal includes 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Of these, 150 are confirmed orders, yet 75 are optional. The Dreamliners are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2034. The 737 MAX order is pending due to final negotiations with engine supplier CFM International.
Chairman Ahmet Bolat stated, “We could announce the Boeing order sooner, but there is an engine issue.”
It Supports Turkish Airlines’ Growth Targets
Turkish Airlines currently operates around 430 aircraft, but has plans ahead. By 2033, they want to expand their fleet to 810 aircraft.
The airline projects $52.2 billion in annual revenue by 2033. It is expected that by doing so, they will contribute $144 billion to Türkiye’s economy.
The new aircraft will support route growth, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce operational costs. Bolat stated that, “With these orders, our entire fleet is targeted to consist of new-generation aircraft by 2035, thereby strengthening operational efficiency and supporting an average annual growth rate of around 6%.”
Turkish Airlines’ Another Order For 355 Airbus Aircraft
The airline is leasing 14 narrowbody aircraft from Carlyle Aviation Partners and Avolon. This lease will fulfill the short-term capacity needs of Turkey.
According to analysts, they intentionally adopted a dual strategy. It will help them prevent facing production delays and other sudden geopolitical eruptions.
Bolat confirmed the approach is intentional. He stated, “We want to mitigate the risks by using both products available in the market.”
Boeing Deal Aligns with Diplomatic Objectives
President Trump publicly acknowledged the Boeing deal during Erdoğan’s visit. He posted that “We are working on many Trade and Military Deals with the President, including the large-scale purchase of Boeing aircraft…”
The timing of the announcement suggests alignment with broader diplomatic goals. Discussions included Türkiye’s potential reentry into the F-35 fighter jet program. Türkiye was removed from the program in 2019 after acquiring the Russian S-400 missile system.
The U.S. cited security risks to the F-35 platform. Türkiye has reportedly offered to warehouse the S-400 system and allow U.S. verification to ensure it remains inactive.
Domestic Criticism and Government Response
Opposition leader Özgür Özel claimed the Boeing deal was arranged privately with Donald Trump Jr. Erdoğan rejected the claim and stated that “We have never and will never consult Özgür Özel about buying planes.”
The government has framed the aircraft purchase as a strategic decision tied to national growth and international cooperation.
Turkish Airlines’ Growth & Diplomatic Ties With The U.S.
The deal is strategic, well planned, and aligned with long-term national goals. It will present Turkey as a global leader in aviation. From structure to timing and scope of the deal, everything suggests that it’s a coordinated effort to restore trust. It’s an approach to regain what Turkey lost. The outcomes of the unconfirmed part of the deal will determine the extent of the impact of this deal on Turkey, NATO, and the world.
