Boeing and Turkish Airlines has finalised a firm order for 25 787-9 Dreamliners with options for five more airplanes.
The firm order will allow Turkey’s flag carrier to further meet the growing demand at its home airport, Istanbul’s third airport, and improve the flying experience for passengers.
With this firm order – first announced as a commitment last September – Turkish Airlines becomes the 71st customer to buy the 787.
Together, these customers have now ordered more than 1,300 Dreamliners, the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.
“We are pleased to finalise a landmark agreement that will bring significant benefit to Turkish Airlines and Turkey’s aviation industry,” said M. İlker Aycı, Turkish Airlines chairman.
“This firm order adds the 787 Dreamliner, one of the world’s most state-of-the-art airplanes, to our ever-expanding fleet in 2023.
“The 787 will significantly raise our passengers’ satisfaction and play an important role in our plans for our new hub, the new Istanbul airport.
“This will accelerate the steady rise of our country’s flag carrier and support the growth of Turkish Civil Aviation.”
Turkish Airlines also this week completed an order for 25 Airbus A350XWB planes.
Recently, the airline grew its stable of 777 jets with a purchase of three more 777 Freighters.
The airline also uses electronic charts and some other services from Boeing Global Services to further optimise its operations and operational systems.
“We are proud to extend our decades-long partnership with Turkish Airlines and we welcome them to the growing group of elite airlines who have made the 787 Dreamliner the most preferred mid-sized twin-aisle airplane today,” said Kevin McAllister, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president.
“We are confident that Turkish Airlines will enjoy the Dreamliner’s unmatched fuel efficiency, range, and superior cabin features.”
Passenger Numbers
Turkish Airlines also revealed today it broke its February passenger number record this year, with 5.1 million passengers travelling on the airline last month.
The figure represents a 26 per cent increase on the same month last year.
Load factor also peaked at 79.7 per cent, while the number of international passengers grew by 27 per cent.