Turkish Airlines Warns It Could Switch Boeing 737 MAX Order to Airbus if Engine Negotiations Fail
Turkish Airlines has warned it could reconsider its recent order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and opt for Airbus instead if it fails to reach a satisfactory agreement with engine manufacturer CFM International.
The airline’s Chairman, Ahmet Bolat, told Reuters in Stockholm that talks with the supplier, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France’s Safran, have made some progress, but disagreements over costs persist.
“If CFM agrees to viable economic terms, we will sign with Boeing. But if it maintains its position, we will switch to Airbus. With Airbus, I have options,” Bolat stated.
A Deal Contingent on Engines
The order, announced following a September 25 meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his US counterpart Donald Trump, was subject to a separate agreement for the 737 MAX engines.
The final decision could redefine Turkish Airlines’ fleet renewal strategy, which aims to expand to around 800 aircraft by 2033, after having purchased more than 200 Airbus aircraft in 2023.
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Tensions in the Engine Market
The Turkish carrier’s warning comes amid an industry-wide context of engine shortages, maintenance delays, and rising spare parts prices. Airlines from various countries have expressed frustration over service disruptions, while manufacturers argue that costs must reflect the financial risks they undertake.
In the case of Turkish Airlines, issues with Pratt & Whitney engines on its Airbus fleet have caused additional delays, further straining relations with suppliers.
Industry sources believe that, despite Bolat’s statements, an agreement with Boeing is likely, given the political attention surrounding the contract and the limited availability of Airbus aircraft.
Turkish Airlines Maintains Interest in Boeing 777X
Bolat confirmed the airline remains interested in the Boeing 777X, the world’s largest twin-engine passenger jet, which has accumulated seven years of delays and is now expected to enter service in 2027.
“We are in regular contact with Boeing and are closely following the development of the 777X. When the time is right, we will order some,” the executive stated, clarifying there is no rush to finalize the order.
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