Turkey’s flag carrier chooses the 787-9 to expand fleet, improve passenger experience. Firm order puts Dreamliner program above 1,300 orders.
SEATTLE – Boeing and Turkish Airlines announced they have finalized 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 finalize a landmark agreement that will bring significant benefit to Turkish Airlines and Turkey's aviation industry," said M. Ilker Ayci, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee. "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, our Republic's 100th year. 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 has continued to expand its fleet of Boeing airplanes. 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 optimize 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 and Chief Executive Officer. "We are confident that Turkish Airlines will enjoy the Dreamliner's unmatched fuel efficiency, range, and superior cabin features."
About the 787 Dreamliner family
The 787 Dreamliner is an all-new, super-efficient family of commercial airplanes. Since 2011, more than 640 Dreamliners have entered service, flying over 226 million people on more than 680 unique routes around the world, saving an estimated 22 billion pounds of fuel.
At 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8, the 787-9 extends the family in capacity and range, flying more passengers and more cargo farther. The airplane can fly 290 passengers, in a typical two-class configuration, up to 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km).
Turkish Airlines selects A350 XWB, lifting its fleet to new heights
Turkish Airlines has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire 25 A350-900 aircraft plus five options, underlining its strong confidence in the global market-dynamism and growth.
“With Turkish Airlines serving more destinations than any other airline around the world, we are delighted to build our future on Airbus’ all-new A350 XWB to support the development of our international route-network from our Istanbul and Ankara hubs” said M. Ilker Ayci.
“We are extremely proud at Airbus to count Turkish Airlines as a new A350 operator, the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft” said Eric Schulz, Chief Commercial Officer, Airbus'. ”This order strengthens and expands the long-lasting partnership between Airbus, Turkish Airlines and Turkey overall.”
Turkish Airlines currently operates an Airbus fleet of 167 aircraft with a further 92 A321neo on backlog.
Turkey is an integral part of the Airbus supply chain for almost 20 years, being a partner in all Airbus aircraft programmes, including the prestigious A350 XWB.
The A350 XWB is an all new family of mid-size wide-body long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel, featuring the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The Airspace cabin which, on top of the aircraft spaciousness and quietness, provides better ambience, design and services, contributing to superior levels of comfort and well-being, and setting new standards in terms of flight experience for passengers in all classes.
At end February 2018, Airbus has recorded a total of 854 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
