Following comments from its chairman Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines remains on course to make a record-breaking 600-aircraft order.
According to Reuters, this order is due to be placed and announced at the IATA AGM in Istanbul, which is happening from June 4-6.
The airline’s chairman said the following to journalists:
“For the last 20 years, Turkish Airlines has grown 12% on average. For the next 10 years, we are intending to grow to 7.6% and to reach 813 aircraft in 2033″.
“During the IATA event, we’re going to announce all this with one of the big manufacturers. We have almost finished discussions with them.”
“So we are going to order around 600 aircraft, around 200 will be widebody and 400 narrowbody.”
Which Manufacturer Will Turkish Airlines Opt For?
Turkish Airlines currently operates a mixed fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. As per data from Planespotters.net, the carrier operates the following as of May 12th:
- Airbus:
- 6 A319s.
- 11 A320s.
- 105 A321 Family aircraft.
- 60 A330 Family aircraft.
- 12 A350XWBs.
- Boeing:
- 80 B737 Family aircraft.
- 42 B777 Family aircraft.
- 16 B787 Family aircraft.
When asked about which manufacturer Bolat was opting for in this mega-deal, he said the following on this, as per Simple Flying:
“We are very close with one company, and we don’t want to delay that. There is an air show coming as well, and for the other company, we can announce that then.”
Will There Be An Announcement at the Paris Air Show?
Based on the quote that Bolat mentioned above, it remains clear that some form of an order will be placed at the Paris Air Show as well.
At this stage, it is unclear in which manufacturer they are close with. If you are looking purely at fleet numbers, this would be suggested as Airbus, as they have more of their jets, with more on the way.
It could very well be the case that the Boeing portion of the order would be announced in Istanbul in a couple of weeks’ time, and then the Airbus side at the Paris Air Show.
What we do know is that this will be something to keep a keen eye on, as when these orders are placed, they will eclipse Air India’s mega 470-strong order as well.
For now, all eyes are on Turkish Airlines to see what the finer details will be on this 600-strong aircraft order that is coming up.
