Turkish Airlines has signed a new order agreement with the US-based Boeing for up to 150 single-aisle aircraft as part of its long-term fleet growth plan. The agreement was announced as the company's largest single-aisle aircraft order with Boeing.
According to the statement from Turkish Airlines, 100 of the orders are confirmed for the Boeing 737-8. The company also holds an option for 50 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The agreement also grants Turkish Airlines the flexibility to transition to the 737-10, the largest model in the 737 MAX family.
With this step, the company aims to act more flexibly in capacity planning according to passenger demand and operational needs across its flight network. It was stated that the negotiations have been ongoing since 2025.
While it was reported that the order is linked to Boeing purchases that came to the agenda during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's contacts in the US, the agreement has become a subject of debate not only in terms of the aviation sector but also due to the military products Boeing provides to Israel.
GAZA CRITICISM OF BOEING
In a report published by Amnesty International in recent weeks, Boeing was among the companies criticized for certain weapon systems used in Israel's attacks in Gaza. The report stated that it was documented that Boeing-made bombs and guidance kits were used in some airstrikes in the Gaza Strip where civilians lost their lives.
The report also alleged that, in addition to Boeing, companies such as Lockheed Martin, Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries, Palantir Technologies, and others played a role in activities linked to Israel's occupation, apartheid, and violations of international law.
Boeing has recently become one of the companies that has come to the forefront in US international trade diplomacy. During the Donald Trump administration, Boeing aircraft sales drew attention in agreements made or announced with countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.
While Turkish Airlines' new order is evaluated as part of the company's growth strategy on one hand, it has reignited debates regarding Turkey's Palestine policy and its commercial relations with the US on the other.
News Source: 12punto
