Erdoğan said 'the deaf hears not, but makes up,' yet THY placed the order: Boeing planes are coming

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan responded to CHP Chairman Özgür Özel's claim that he had held meetings with Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., to purchase Boeing aircraft by saying, "The deaf hears not, but makes up." Özel had alleged that Erdoğan was trying to do business with Trump's son and was abandoning Palestine to Trump. However, Turkish Airlines (THY) announced in a statement that an order had been placed for the purchase of aircraft from Boeing.

CLAIMS BY CHP LEADER ÖZGÜR ÖZEL

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel had recently claimed that Erdoğan met with Trump's son, Junior Trump, at the Dolmabahçe Working Office in Istanbul and that negotiations for the purchase of Boeing aircraft took place during this meeting. Özel raised allegations that a lobbying agreement for Trump was behind this meeting. In his statements, Özel said:

"Trump is eyeing Palestine, and he is eyeing Cyprus as well. While ours says nothing, look, I am announcing it here: just last Saturday, he hosted Trump's son, Junior Trump, at the Working Office in Dolmabahçe, keeping his name hidden. He is bargaining with him. While Palestine is bleeding, they are doing business with Trump's son through lobbying firms."

Özel also claimed that Erdoğan had made an offer to Trump's son, saying, "If you arrange an appointment for me, I will buy 300 Boeing planes on live television with Trump."

"THE DEAF HEARS NOT, BUT MAKES UP"

Erdoğan reacted sharply to Özgür Özel's claims. Erdoğan responded to Özel's statements by saying, "The deaf hears not, but makes up," and stated that the meeting was untrue. Erdoğan described Özel's claims as lies, stating that no such meeting had taken place. These statements further increased the tension between the government and the opposition.

THY'S STATEMENT ON BOEING AIRCRAFT ORDER

On the other hand, a statement made by Turkish Airlines (THY) to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) announced a new development regarding the aircraft procurement process. THY Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat announced that negotiations with Boeing for aircraft procurement are ongoing. According to the statement made by THY, "In line with the growth targets within the strategic plan developed to create high value for all stakeholders of our partnership, our Board of Directors has decided to purchase a total of 75 B787-9 and B787-10 aircraft, consisting of 50 firm orders and 25 options, from Boeing to be delivered between 2029 and 2034."

Additionally, THY reported that negotiations with Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace for engine maintenance services are continuing. Within the scope of the discussions with Boeing, it was announced that agreements for the purchase of 150 737-8/10MAX type aircraft have also been finalized. THY aims to strengthen its entire fleet with new-generation aircraft by 2035.

In his statements, CHP leader Özgür Özel criticized Erdoğan's stance on foreign policy and economic relations, arguing that his relations with Trump were harming Turkey's interests.