OREANDA-NEWS.  Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Turkish Airlines today finalized an order for 15 additional 737 MAX 8s, valued at USD 1.6 billion at list prices. The order follows the announcement in May 2013 when the Turkish flag carrier placed the largest Boeing order in the airline's history for 50 737 MAXs and 20 Next-Generation 737s.
"Today's order represents another component of our continuous growth strategy, with the 737 MAX providing Turkish Airlines with increased flexibility across our ever expanding network," said Dr. Ahmet Bolat, chief investment and technology officer of Turkish Airlines. "Our strong partnership with Boeing has been a significant factor in Turkish Airlines' success and we look forward to taking delivery of these highly efficient airplanes."
With today's announcement, Turkish Airlines has more than 100 unfilled orders for Boeing airplanes; 65 737 MAXs, more than 25 Next-Generation 737s and 20 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes. The Istanbul-based carrier currently operates a fleet of more than 100 Next-Generation 737s and 15 777-300ERs.
"With a fleet of more than 100 Next-Generation 737s, Turkish Airlines has experienced firsthand what the capabilities this family of airplanes has to offer," said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX is the most advanced single-aisle offering and today's order for additional airplanes underlines Turkish Airlines' confidence in the efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort of the 737 MAX."
The 737 MAX has surpassed 2,000 orders from 41 customers, bringing the most advanced engine technologies to the world's best-selling airplane, building on the strengths of today's 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 an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow's competition.
Turkish Airlines currently serves 254 cities in 106 countries around the world from its base at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport.