Turkish Airlines Reveals Ambitious Decade-Long Fleet Expansion Plan, Aiming for 800 Aircraft by 2033

Turkish Airlines has unveiled its comprehensive fleet plan for the next decade, aiming to operate around 800 aircraft by 2033. The carrier’s strategy encompasses the growth of its narrowbody and widebody fleets, with a keen focus on cargo operations through new-build and converted freighter aircraft.

In an investor presentation in New York, Turkish Airlines outlined its vision to increase its A320 Family aircraft from the current 143 to approximately 300 by 2033. The carrier’s Boeing 737 Family fleet is also set to grow from 133 to around 200, primarily through a delayed but anticipated order that may include up to 400 narrowbodies.

Turkish Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, AnadoluJet (rebranding as AJet), is expected to play a significant role in the expansion, with around 200 of the future narrowbody fleet operated by the subsidiary. AnadoluJet, currently a division of the mainline, is scheduled to commence independent operations with its own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) in 2024.

The widebody fleet is poised for substantial growth, with a potential order of up to 200 aircraft. Turkish Airlines aims to have around 150 Boeing jets (777s and 787s) by 2033, complementing its existing fleet of 777-300ERs and 787-9s. The A350 fleet is expected to expand from fourteen to approximately 120, with 26 outstanding orders for A350-900s.

Turkish Airlines envisions retiring all previous-generation aircraft by 2030, including A330-200s and A330-300s, aligning its fleet with modern and fuel-efficient models.

A notable aspect of the airline’s strategy involves more than doubling its cargo capacity by 2033, with a particular emphasis on P2F (Passenger-to-Freighter) conversions. While the specific details about the P2F conversions were not provided, Turkish Airlines currently operates a cargo fleet comprising ten A330-200Fs and eight Boeing 777-200Fs.

This ambitious fleet expansion plan positions Turkish Airlines for significant growth across its passenger and cargo operations, leveraging a modern and diversified fleet to meet future demands in the aviation industry. As the airline works towards implementing its strategy, industry observers will be monitoring developments, particularly in the evolving landscape of cargo operations and the utilization of converted freighter aircraft.