Turkish Airlines Set for Showdown Talks with Boeing and CFM International Over 737 MAX Order

What’s going on

Turkish Airlines (THY) has announced that it will meet with Boeing and engine-supplier CFM International in the coming weeks to finalise its long-anticipated order for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

The deal covers variants of the 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft, of which 100 are reported to be firm orders and 50 options.

Chairman Ahmet Bolat was quoted saying the airline will ask Boeing and CFM “Are you in or out?” — and if they can’t produce acceptable terms, Turkish Airlines is prepared to walk away and “turn another page”.

Why the talk is critical

• The 737 MAX deal is contingent on engine supply and maintenance terms with CFM International (a joint venture of GE Aerospace and Safran). Turkish Airlines emphasises that engine-related issues are a block to finalising the order.

• Turkish Airlines has previously suffered from engine-supply delays and maintenance problems, particularly with Pratt & Whitney engines on its Airbus narrow-body fleet — giving it leverage and reason to insist on robust terms from CFM.

• The size of the order (150 aircraft) makes it one of the largest narrow-body orders in Europe/Middle-East region, and it fits with Turkish Airlines’ ambition to expand its fleet and network.

• Turkish Airlines is also working on a previously announced deal to purchase 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul expansion. The 737 MAX order combined with the 787 order signals a major fleet renewal effort.

Key details & timeline

• Order size: Up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX jets (100 firm + 50 options) for variants 737-8 and 737-10.

• Engine talks: Focus is on CFM International for 737 MAX; talks also include setting up an engine maintenance centre in Türkiye.

• Alternate scenario: If the engine terms are not acceptable, Turkish Airlines says it may shift the order to Airbus. “If not, we’ll turn another page.”

Strategic implications

• For Boeing & CFM: The deal would represent a major win in a region where Airbus has historically been strong; failing to secure the order could be a significant missed opportunity.

• For Turkish Airlines: Finalising the order under favourable terms means securing new generation aircraft, a better engine/maintenance deal and strengthening its cost base and growth strategy.

• For the market: If Turkish Airlines switches to Airbus or delays the deal, it could shift competitive balance in the narrow-body segment in the region.

What to watch

• Whether Boeing and CFM respond with improved terms (price, engine warranties, maintenance support) to meet Turkish’s demands.

• The timeline: Turkish Airlines said talks will happen in the “coming weeks”; delivery schedule details are still dependent on engine supply chain readiness.

• Whether Turkish Airlines publicly confirms moving to Airbus, as a negotiating tactic or real alternative.

• The effect on Turkish Airlines’ overall fleet strategy, especially how the 737 MAX order aligns with its stated ambition to grow substantially by 2033.