Turkiye’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines has signed an historic deal for 220 aircraft from European aerospace giant Airbus.
The deal, widely tipped to come during the Dubai Airshow, sees the airline sign top for a mixture if single-aisle and wide body airliners.
The iGA Istanbul Airport based airline has ordered 150 Airbus A321neo aircraft and 70 A350s including 5 Freighters. The A350 component consists of 50 A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s and 5 A350Fs.
Announcing the deal Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat said: “This landmark order is more than an expansion; it’s a testament to our dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and a sustainable future.
“The addition of these advanced Airbus aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also significantly contribute to our environmental goals. This investment is a crucial milestone in the further evolution of Türkiye’s aviation industry.
“By modernising our fleet with more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, we are reinforcing our leading position in global aviation and contributing to the nation’s prominence as an aviation hub.”
The deal forms the backbone of Turkish Airlines expansion plans and the large A321neo component shows its ambitions in the short to medium haul market.
“This order for the latest generation aircraft is a demonstration of the bold vision by Turkish Airlines. The A350-900, A350-1000, A350F and A321 will all be flagship aircraft in their respective category and efficiency drivers to shape the airline’s future and sustainable expansion, with more range, less fuel, noise and emissions and best cabin in class,” says Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International.
“The opening into the A350-1000 and the A350F highlights the cross-model value of the A350 family and reinforces our long-lasting partnership with Turkish Airlines and Türkiye’s aviation sector. We are proud to accompany Türkiye’s connection to the world with our state-of-the-art aircraft.”
Together with iGA Istanbul Airport, Turkish Airlines is working to make Istanbul a world hub as shown by the fact that it flies to more countries than any other airline and this deal will cement it as one of the worlds largest airlines, it is currently the 8th largest.
Its choice of A350F for its cargo needs is testament to the airliners, which is yet to be certified, credentials as a viable freighter and also its commonality with the A350 airliner making personal selection easier.
Both the A321 and A350 offer the best in their class for performance and emissions which helps to reduce operating costs for the airlines.
The deal is also great news for the UK with the wings for all aircraft in the order being built in North Wales as well as the A350s Rolls-Royce Trent XWB Engines which are made in Derby.
