Turkish Airlines Adds Five Airbus A321neo Jets
Turkish Airlines has announced plans to add five Airbus A321neo aircraft to its fleet in 2025 under a lease agreement with Ireland-based SMBC Aviation Capital. The deal, revealed on December 12, 2024, is part of the airline’s broader strategy to expand and modernize its fleet, solidifying its position as Turkey’s flag carrier and one of the world’s leading airlines.
The agreement strengthens an existing partnership between Turkish Airlines and SMBC Aviation Capital, which has leased 15 Airbus planes to the airline since 2022. The addition of these state-of-the-art aircraft aligns with Turkish Airlines’ goals of operational efficiency and sustainability.
Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership. “These Airbus A321neo aircraft will play a significant role in advancing our fleet modernization strategy, enhancing our operational efficiency, and supporting our sustainability goals,” Bolat stated.
Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital, highlighted the strong relationship between the two organizations. “This transaction demonstrates the collaboration we’ve built with Turkish Airlines. The A321neo will not only enhance their operational capabilities but also contribute to the aviation industry’s sustainability efforts,” Flannery added.
The Airbus A321neo is known for its fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions, making it a popular choice for airlines aiming to meet sustainability targets. Turkish Airlines has been steadily increasing its focus on sustainability, aligning its fleet expansion strategy with environmental goals.
This agreement follows recent announcements regarding Turkish Airlines’ fleet growth. In November 2024, the airline signed a lease deal with BOC Aviation for six Airbus A321neo aircraft, scheduled for delivery in 2027. BOC Aviation already leases 16 aircraft to Turkish Airlines, including five A320neos, seven Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and four Boeing 777-300ERs.
Turkish Airlines has a significant number of aircraft on order, including 342 pending deliveries from Airbus. This includes 206 A321neos, showcasing the airline’s heavy reliance on the fuel-efficient narrowbody model. In December 2023, the airline placed an order for 220 Airbus aircraft, including 150 A321s and 70 widebody A350s, further diversifying its fleet to meet global demand.
In addition to its Airbus fleet, Turkish Airlines has pending orders for 35 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and ten Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, ensuring a balanced approach to fleet modernization.
The addition of these five A321neo jets from SMBC Aviation Capital reflects Turkish Airlines’ commitment to scaling its operations and meeting growing passenger demand while adhering to environmental goals. The partnership with SMBC underscores the airline’s focus on strategic collaborations to support its long-term growth plans.
With this latest fleet expansion, Turkish Airlines is well-positioned to enhance its global network and deliver an improved travel experience for its passengers.
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