Boeing, Turkish Airlines Finalize Order for 50 737 MAXs, 20 Next-Generation 737s

Order also includes options for an additional 25 737 MAX 8s

ISTANBUL, May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Turkish Airlines today finalized a firm order for 40 737 MAX 8s, 10 737 MAX 9s and 20 Next-Generation 737-800 jets, valued at $6.9 billion at list prices. The order, originally announced as a commitment last month, also includes options for an additional 25 737 MAX 8s and is the largest Boeing order in Turkish Airlines' history.

"We are delighted to finalize the order, which will considerably expand our fleet and contribute to our continued growth," said Temel Kotil, PhD, President and CEO of Turkish Airlines. "Turkish Airlines is a global airline, serving the most countries worldwide and we are building the strongest network in the world. Our long-standing partnership with Boeing is one of the key factors behind the success of Turkish Airlines."

Today's announcement brings the total number of 737 MAXs ordered to date to 1,285 and Boeing currently has more than 3,100 unfilled orders for 737s.

"Turkish Airlines currently operates more than 85 Next-Generation 737s, which are the foundation of its successful short-haul operations," said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today's announcement demonstrates the confidence Turkish Airlines has in the proven reliability, performance and economics of the Next-Generation 737, while the order for 50 737 MAXs marks a new chapter in their continued fleet expansion, ensuring unrivaled efficiencies and superior passenger comfort."

The 737 MAX builds on the strengths of the world's best-selling Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 13 percent fuel-use improvement over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes. Turkish Airlines currently serves more than 220 cities in 99 countries around the world. In March 2013, the carrier received its 100th direct delivery from Boeing and currently operates Next-Generation 737s and 777-300ER (Extended Range) jets. With today's announcement, Turkish Airlines has 100 Boeing airplanes on order including Next-Generation 737s, 737 MAXs and 777-300ERs.

Photo:João Luis Pessoa - Lisboa