SunExpress Expands Fleet with Major Boeing 737 Max Purchase

SunExpress, a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, has announced a significant expansion of its fleet with a commitment to purchase up to 90 Boeing 737 Max aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. This major deal, unveiled at the Dubai Airshow, positions the airline for substantial growth over the next decade. The agreement includes orders for 28 units of the 737-8 model and 17 units of the 737-10 model, with the option to acquire up to 45 additional 737 Max airplanes.

Max Kownatzki, CEO of SunExpress, shared his vision for the airline’s future: “Following our success in the post-pandemic landscape, SunExpress is set for an ambitious growth trajectory to cater to rising market demands and to expand our global presence. With plans to more than double our fleet by 2033, reaching 150 aircraft, the integration of the 737-10, the latest in the 737 Max series, will notably enhance our capacity. This expansion is a strategic move towards a more fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable fleet, reinforcing our position as Türkiye’s tourism ambassador.”

This latest commitment builds upon SunExpress’s existing order of 42 737-8s, with nine already delivered.

Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented on the continued partnership: “SunExpress’s renewed investment in the 737 Max underscores its trust in the aircraft’s ability to support the airline’s growth and cater to travelers heading to Türkiye and other sought-after destinations. The 737 MAX has proven its worth in SunExpress’s operations, offering unparalleled fuel efficiency and reliability.”

The 737 Max family is ideally suited for short- and medium-haul leisure travel, perfectly aligning with SunExpress’s operational focus. The 737-8 can accommodate 162 to 200 passengers and boasts a range of up to 6,480 km, while the larger 737-10 can cover up to 5,740 km. These aircraft are known for reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 20% compared to previous models.

SunExpress specializes in direct flights connecting Europe and Türkiye to various holiday destinations. In 2022, the airline saw nearly 11 million passengers across 175 routes in 30 countries.

Founded in 1989, SunExpress has developed a strong presence in the leisure travel market, operating more than 175 routes to 30 countries. With a workforce of over 3500 and a current fleet of 66 aircraft, the airline has been recognized as ‘Europe’s Best Leisure Airline’ by Skytrax.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com, SunExpress.com