Just when we thought Air India’s record-breaking mega aircraft order was the pinnacle, Turkish Airlines is preparing to go even bigger. As a move to dominate the Middle Eastern airspace, where carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad hold significant stakes, Turkish Airlines is said to announce an enormous aircraft order. This order, involving around 600 aircraft, is set to bolster Turkish Airlines’ recently announced aim of doubling its fleet size to over 800 in the next decade.
Preparing for a Landmark Order
In early March, the airline’s Chief Financial Officer, Murat Seker, hinted at a significant aircraft order in line with the long-term strategic plan Turkish Airlines was finalizing. This plan, revealed last month, sets a target for Turkish Airlines to fly 170 million passengers and operate over 800 aircraft by 2033, effectively doubling the current size of the carrier.
Towards a Pioneering Deal
According to local media reports, Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat suggests that negotiations with aircraft manufacturers are ongoing. The airline aims to secure a 600-aircraft commitment, including 200 widebodies, with an announcement anticipated in June. Bolat hints at the possibility of finalizing an order with one manufacturer in time for the IATA AGM being held in Istanbul in early June. The rest of the order could be settled at the Paris Air Show later in the month.
An Ambitious Fleet Expansion Timeline
Turkish Airlines ended 2022 with a fleet of 394 aircraft, with expectations to reach 435 by the end of this year. According to its strategic plan, the airline foresees its fleet reaching 500 units in 2025, swelling to 600 by 2028, achieving the 700 mark by 2031, and finally surpassing the 800 threshold in 2033.
Current Operations and the Future
Currently, Turkish Airlines, in conjunction with its low-cost unit Anadolu Jet, operates a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies, both current and re-engined types. Its widebody range includes Airbus A330s, A350s, Boeing 777s, and 787s.
With this audacious plan, Turkish Airlines is setting its sights on achieving air supremacy in the Middle East. The anticipated expansion will not only cement Turkish Airlines’ position as a dominant player in the region but also redefine the dynamics of the global aviation industry. It will be fascinating to see how this aggressive move shapes the future of Turkish Airlines and impacts the global air travel landscape.
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