News
Turkish Airlines finalizes $6.9 billion for Boeing jets
May 21, 2013, Istanbul, Turkey - Turkey's flag-carrier Turkish Airlines has finalized a firm order for 40 737 MAX 8s, ten 737 MAX 9s and 20 Next-Generation 737-800 jetliners, which are valued at $6.9bn at list prices.
May 21, 2013 By aerospace-technology.com
The firm order was originally announced as a commitment in April and also includes options for an additional 25 737 MAX 8s, making it the largest Boeing order in Turkish Airlines' history.
Turkish Airlines president and CEO Temel Kotil said the firm order would considerably expand the carrier's fleet and contribute to its continued growth.
"Our long-standing partnership with Boeing is one of the key factors behind the success of Turkish Airlines," Kotil said.
With this announcement, the 737 MAX has logged some 1,285 orders to date and Boeing currently has more than 3,100 unfilled orders for 737s.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes European sales vice-president Todd Nelp said: "Today's announcement demonstrates the confidence Turkish Airlines has in the proven reliability, performance and economics of the Next-Generation 737, while the order for 50 737 MAXs marks a new chapter in their continued fleet expansion, ensuring unrivaled efficiencies and superior passenger comfort."
The 737 MAX incorporates the CFM International LEAP-1B engines to provide the high efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.
Boeing stated that airlines operating the 737 MAX would see a 13 per cent fuel-use improvement compared with the existing fuel-efficient aeroplanes in the same category.
Turkish Airlines currently serves more than 220 cities in 99 countries worldwide.
In March 2013, the airline received its 100th direct delivery from Boeing and presently operates Next-Generation 737s and 777-300ER (Extended Range) airliners.
To date, Turkish Airlines has 100 Boeing aircraft on order, including Next-Generation 737s, 737 MAXs and 777-300ERs.
