Turkish Airlines and
CFM International have signed a memorandum of understanding covering more than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spares, to power 100 firm and 50 option Boeing 737 MAX aircraft announced as part of the carrier’s fleet expansion plans.
The agreement also includes a long-term services contract covering Turkish Airlines’ entire LEAP-1B fleet, including previously delivered engines, spare units, leased-aircraft engines and future options. Together, the arrangement could support more than 600 LEAP-1B engines operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AJet.
The MoU was signed in Istanbul by Turkish Airlines chairman Prof. Murat Şeker, Turkish Technic CEO Mikail Akbulut and Safran CEO Olivier Andriès. It also includes a material services agreement with Turkish Technic to support the establishment of a new engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Türkiye.
Turkish Airlines currently operates 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines and 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with LEAP-1B engines across the Turkish Airlines and AJet fleets.
Prof. Şeker said: “This new step with CFM will support our growing fleet, network and operational efficiency. We are also pleased to strengthen our partnership with CFM through a comprehensive set of services, providing the expertise, reliability and long-term support needed to develop our LEAP MRO capabilities.”
Akbulut added: “With this agreement, we will be able to provide comprehensive maintenance operations for the LEAP engine. As Turkish Technic, we will continue to invest in engine maintenance services as well as our aircraft and component maintenance capabilities.”
Olivier Andriès, chief executive of Safran, described the agreement as “a new milestone” in the companies’ long-standing relationship and said it reflected a shared ambition to support Turkish Airlines’ continued growth and fleet expansion.
GE Aerospace chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp Jr said the company looked forward to supporting the airline’s expanding Istanbul network and developing its engine MRO capabilities.
CFM said the agreement strengthens its nearly four-decade relationship with Turkish Airlines while supporting the introduction of additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The planned MRO facility will also enhance Turkish Technic’s engine maintenance capabilities, allowing it to provide comprehensive support for LEAP-powered fleets.
Pic credit: Safran