ISTANBUL: Turkish Airlines announced on Monday that it would reach a final decision on its plans for a historic aircraft order of 600 planes within the next two months. The airline is currently in discussions with major aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, for the acquisition of 400 single-aisle aircraft and 200 jumbo jets, according to chairman Ahmet Bolat.
The decision regarding the order was delayed due to Turkey’s recent presidential election, Bolat stated during the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association held in Istanbul.
While the airline was on the verge of finalizing a deal with one of the manufacturers, Bolat revealed that they had chosen to wait for two months before making the official announcement.
Bolat refrained from disclosing specific details about the distribution of orders between Boeing and Airbus. Previously, he had indicated that a decision could potentially be made at the IATA conference.
Turkish Airlines’ Fleet Expansion Plans
If the order proceeds with firm commitments, it will result in Turkish Airlines expanding its fleet to 800 planes within a decade. The current fleet stands at 435 aircraft. With ambitious growth plans, particularly in Africa and Asia, the airline aims to utilize Istanbul’s new airport as its primary hub.
Should the purchase materialize, it would mark the largest order in the history of civil aviation, surpassing Air India’s 470-plane order in February.
