Turkish Airlines may redirect part of its newly announced Boeing order to Airbus if negotiations with engine supplier CFM International fail to produce an agreement, Reuters reported, citing the carrier’s chairman.
Ahmet Bolat, speaking to Reuters, in Stockholm on Wednesday said that discussions with CFM, a joint venture of GE Aerospace and Safran, had made some progress but disagreements over pricing remained. CFM is the sole engine provider for the Boeing 737 MAX, while Airbus’ A320neo family can be fitted with engines from either CFM or Pratt & Whitney.
“If CFM continues its stance, we’ll change to Airbus. With Airbus I have choices,” Bolat said.
The comments come days after Turkish Airlines confirmed a major order for up to 225 Boeing aircraft, announced during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s White House visit with US President Donald Trump on September 25, his first since 2019.
The deal includes 150 confirmed jets and options for 75 more, covering 100 737 MAX planes and 50 787 Dreamliners. Deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2034.
The purchase followed a record order with Airbus in December 2023 for 355 planes as the flag carrier pursues an ambitious goal of expanding its fleet to 800 aircraft by 2033.
Industry sources expect the Boeing agreement to move forward given political momentum and limited Airbus availability, but Bolat’s warning reflects growing strain in the aviation sector as engine shortages, rising maintenance costs and delivery delays frustrate airlines worldwide.
Turkish Airlines has also faced disruptions with Pratt & Whitney engines powering some of its Airbus A320neos.
Despite the uncertainty, Bolat said the airline remains interested in Boeing’s long-delayed 777X, now expected to debut in 2027. “Once the timing is right, we’re going to order some 777X,” he said, adding that there was no rush.