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Turkish Airlines' 150-Jet Boeing 737 MAX Deal Nears Critical Stage
Boeing is reportedly close to finalizing a long-delayed deal involving 150 737 MAX aircraft for Turkish Airlines. The negotiations have regained momentum, with sources saying an agreement could be reached as early as next week.
Turkish Airlines' major aircraft negotiations with Boeing have entered a critical stage as the carrier continues plans to expand its global fleet.
Reuters reported on September 15, citing four people familiar with the matter, that Boeing was close to salvaging a delayed order involving 150 737 MAX aircraft for Turkish Airlines.
Three sources told Reuters that progress had resumed in the negotiations and that the deal could potentially be finalized as early as next week.
What delayed the deal?
The 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft form part of a broader package involving 225 Boeing jets.
One of the key obstacles in the negotiations has centered on long-term maintenance terms for the engines that power the 737 MAX aircraft.
According to Reuters, Turkish Airlines and engine manufacturer CFM had been negotiating issues including maintenance costs and industrial cooperation.
At one stage, the disagreement raised the possibility that Turkish Airlines could reconsider the 150-aircraft order and look at alternative options from Airbus.
Advanced engine maintenance capability in Türkiye
Another important element of the negotiations involves plans to develop advanced engine maintenance capabilities in Türkiye.
Industry sources cited by Reuters said Turkish Airlines wants to become a major CFM maintenance partner for the engines powering the 737 MAX fleet and gain faster access to advanced repair technologies.
It has not yet been announced whether the parties have reached a final agreement on these terms.
Timing draws attention ahead of Erdogan's New York visit
The 150-aircraft 737 MAX order is part of a broader Boeing package involving a total of 225 aircraft.
The latest developments are drawing additional attention as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to travel to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is also expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, there has been no announcement indicating that the Turkish Airlines-Boeing deal will be signed during an Erdogan-Trump meeting.
The timing nevertheless puts one of the largest commercial aviation negotiations involving a Turkish company back in focus during a major week for Türkiye-U.S. relations.
Turkish Airlines continues to evaluate its future fleet
Turkish Airlines' expansion plans extend beyond the Boeing 737 MAX.
As the Istanbul-based carrier continues to grow its international network, it is evaluating several aircraft types for its future fleet.
Turkish Airlines Senior Vice President of Finance Okan Baş has said the airline is examining regional aircraft including the Embraer E2 and Airbus A220, as well as larger long-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350-1000.
Attention turns to the coming week
The negotiations over the 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have regained momentum after a prolonged delay.
If finalized, the deal would represent another major step in Turkish Airlines' long-term fleet expansion strategy while also carrying significance for commercial ties between Türkiye and the United States.
Attention will now turn to Turkish Airlines, Boeing and the companies involved for any official announcement on a final agreement.
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