Turkish Airlines is set to meet with Boeing (BA) and engine maker CFM International in the coming weeks to finalize a major 737 Max jet order, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing comments from Chairman Ahmet Bolat.
The carrier had previously agreed to buy 150 737 Max aircraft alongside 75 Boeing (BA) 787s, but the deal remains contingent on resolving engine supply talks. Bolat warned that if progress stalls, Turkish Airlines could shift the order to Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY) instead. Negotiations also include plans for a possible engine maintenance facility in Turkey.
CFM, a joint venture between GE Aerospace (GE) and Safran (OTCPK:SAFRF) (OTCPK:SAFRY), is the exclusive engine supplier for Boeing’s (BA) 737 Max series and competes with RTX’s (RTX) Pratt & Whitney for Airbus A320neo engines. Airlines, including Turkish Airlines, have been grappling with global engine shortages and maintenance delays affecting aircraft availability.
Bolat added that Turkish Airlines’ 25–27% stake purchase in Spain’s Air Europa is nearly complete and that the company is exploring new partnerships in Asia and the Americas through joint ventures or equity investments, Reuters reported.