Turkish Places "Bold" Order for Short- and Long-Haul Aircraft

Turkish Airlines has placed an order for 150 single-aisle Airbus A321s and 70 A350 widebody aircraft, with an option for 135 more Airbus planes to be delivered over roughly the next decade. The move is part of a 10-year strategic plan in which the carrier aims to grow its fleet to more than 800 aircraft by 2033 and its passenger network to 400 destinations, with expansions in Asia, Europe and North America.

The deal, which has been in the works for several weeks, will also support Turkish Airlines' sustainability goals, with more fuel-efficient aircraft serving both long- and short-haul routes. 

Turkish Airlines chairman of the board Ahmet Bolat called the the investment “a crucial milestone in the further evolution of Türkiye's aviation industry." He continued: "By modernizing our fleet with more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, we are reinforcing our leading position in global aviation and contributing to the nation's prominence as an aviation hub."

Turkish Airlines' hub Istanbul Airport served 58 million passengers through September 2023, according to CAPA, representing more than 21 percent growth over 2022. The massive Airbus order will position the carrier to capitalize on post-pandemic spikes in international travel.