Turkish Airlines finalises record order for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX jets
Turkish Airlines, which operates daily flights connecting Birmingham Airport to Istanbul, has finalised an agreement with Boeing for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft – marking the carrier’s largest single-aisle order from the manufacturer.
The deal, agreed after talks that began in 2025, supports Turkish Airlines' long-term fleet expansion strategy and is expected to strengthen the short- and medium-haul network that includes its Birmingham route.
The order comprises 100 firm Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with options for a further 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets, and includes substitution rights for the Boeing 737-10, the largest aircraft in the 737 MAX family.
The agreement was finalised in the presence of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Prof Murat Şeker, chairman of the board and executive committee at Turkish Airlines, said: “This agreement marks another significant step in the continued expansion of our fleet.
“The new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will bring greater efficiency and flexibility to our operations, supporting the extensive network we serve from our hub in Istanbul.
“We are pleased to build on our longstanding cooperation with Boeing through an agreement that also supports Türkiye's aviation ecosystem.”
Stephanie Pope, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “This order reflects the trust and shared vision that have defined our long-standing partnership with Turkish Airlines.
“We're proud to continue our support of Türkiye's aviation ecosystem and Turkish Airlines as it grows its Istanbul-based network, connecting more people and destinations worldwide.”
The new aircraft are expected to support high-demand domestic and international routes, with the Boeing 737-8 offering 20 per cent reduced emissions and fuel consumption compared with the aircraft it replaces.
Turkish Airlines, including its AJet subsidiary, currently operates more than 200 Boeing aircraft across its fleet, spanning the 737 MAX, 737 Next-Generation, 787 Dreamliner, 777 and 777 Freighter.
The latest order builds on a 75-strong 787 Dreamliner order placed in 2025.
The airline and Boeing have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on industrial participation this year, establishing a framework for long-term cooperation focused on skill development, value creation and business opportunities, alongside continued investment in fleet expansion.
