Turkish Airlines Expands Fleet with Addition of Ten Boeing 737-8s Through Lease Agreement

Turkish Airlines has recently announced a strategic move to enhance its fleet. The airline has entered into a dry-lease agreement with DAE Capital for ten Boeing Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with the first deliveries anticipated in 2025. This decision underscores Turkish Airlines’ commitment to expanding and modernizing its fleet to meet growing passenger demand and operational needs.

Currently, the airline’s fleet includes twenty-seven 737-8s, supplemented by an additional three wet-leased from SmartLynx Airlines Malta. Notably, seven of these aircraft are dedicated to AnadoluJet/AJet, a division of Turkish Airlines, which further emphasizes the airline’s diverse operational capabilities. Additionally, Turkish Airlines operates five 737-9s, indicating a strong preference for the Boeing 737 MAX series in their fleet composition.

Despite not having direct orders for the 737 MAX, Turkish Airlines is progressively increasing its holdings of this aircraft type through various dry-lease agreements. This includes commitments for six aircraft from CDB Aviation and a significant batch of 25 from AerCap. Moreover, SunExpress, a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa Group, has recently placed an order for forty-five 737 MAX aircraft, with an option for an additional 45, reflecting the airline’s confidence in the model.

In contrast to its Boeing fleet, Turkish Airlines has placed a direct order for 196 A321-200neo aircraft from Airbus, indicating a balanced approach to fleet diversity. This order is part of a larger, ambitious expansion plan which saw the airline ordering 220 Airbus aircraft in late 2023. The aviation industry is keenly anticipating the announcement of a similar mega order from Boeing, which would further solidify Turkish Airlines’ position as a leading global carrier with one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the world.