Summary
- Turkish Airlines is in talks with Airbus over a major aircraft order that could include up to 355 planes.
- The order will likely consist of a mix of A350s and A321neos.
- It would be part of Turkish Airlines’ 10-year strategic plan to grow its fleet to 800 aircraft.
Turkish Airlines could soon announce a new order for Airbus aircraft as the carrier and European planemaker are in talks over a massive commercial aircraft deal. An Airbus spokesperson reportedly said an agreement with the airline had been reached in principle for the order.
Türkiye’s flag carrier has outlined its goals for the future throughout this year, which includes plans to enlarge its fleet. Simple Flying previously reported that an announcement for new aircraft could come soon at the Dubai Airshow.
Not ready quite yet
On the sidelines of the show on Monday, Airbus confirmed that its discussions with Turkish Airlines reached “an agreement in principle for a significant commercial aircraft order,” according to Aviation Week. The deal includes up to 355 aircraft, with 240 as firm orders, set to be delivered over a 10-year span beginning in 2026. In a filing to the Istanbul Stock Exchange, Turkish Airlines reportedly explained that talks with Airbus have been “ongoing.”
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
It is understood that the airline will order a mix of widebody and narrowbody aircraft, comprised of A350s and A321neos, but most orders will reportedly be the latter. The carrier said an announcement on the development is pending approval from executives, according to Aviation Week.
“Necessary announcements will be shared with the public following to the Board of Directors’ approval.”
On Airbus’ end, the manufacturer reportedly said it is “ratifying” the agreement and that more will be communicated in the “coming days.”
Nearly 100 new A350s
Both parties have been in talks since at least Saturday. According to Daily Sabah, Turkish Airlines officials met in Istanbul over the weekend and discussed purchasing 75 A350-900s, 15 larger A350-1000 variants, five A350F aircraft for cargo operations, and 250 A321neos.
Photo: ThaKlein | Shutterstock
The proposals are in addition to the 10 A350-900 orders already placed. Officials also reportedly talked with engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce about maintenance services and spare engines for its A350s.
10-year strategic plan
Should both move forward, the order will be the largest in the flag carrier’s history and would be considered to be part of its latest strategic plan that seeks to grow its fleet to 800 aircraft over the next decade. By 2033, Turkish Airlines also plans to:
- Generate $140 billion of value to Türkiye’s economy
- Expand its network to 400 destinations and double its capacity, growing annually by 7% on average
- Carrying 170 million passengers versus over 85 million currently
With its sustainability goals, receiving additional A350s and A321neos will support the airline’s ambitions to increase the number of new-generation aircraft in its fleet and grow the consumption of sustainable aviation fuel.
Turkish Airlines currently operates around 430 aircraft and celebrates 90 years of flying this year. According to the Daily Sabah, the carrier started operating in 1933 with only five planes. It has significantly grown since and will continue to do so.
“Together with its subsidiaries, with employing more than 75,000 people, Turkish Airlines will continue to proudly fly Türkiye’s national flag in the coming 10 years with its unique network, modern fleet and remarkable financial performance,” the airline said.
Sources: Aviation Week, Daily Sabah