Turkish Airlines to acquire over 300 LEAP-1B engines

Turkish Airlines and CFM International have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the purchase of more than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spares, to power 100 firm and 50 optional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft announced on 23 September.

The long-term services agreement will cover Turkish Airlines' entire LEAP-1B engine fleet, including previously ordered and delivered engines, spares, engines fitted to leased aircraft and those associated with potential aircraft options. In total, Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AJet operate more than 600 LEAP-1B engines.

The MoU was signed at a ceremony in Istanbul by Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines; Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board member of Turkish Technic; and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, one of CFM International's two parent companies.

The agreement also includes a material services agreement to support the establishment of an engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Türkiye.

Türkiye's flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, currently operates 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines and 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by LEAP-1B engines, including aircraft operated by its subsidiary AJet.

“This new step with CFM will support our growing fleet, network, and the 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 alongside a long-standing partner,” said Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines.

Turkish Technic CEO and Board Member, Mikail Akbulut said: “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 in line with our strategy.”

In the 10 years since the LEAP engine entered service, CFM has delivered more than 10,000 engines, which have accumulated over 100 million flight hours. CFM continues to upgrade the LEAP fleet with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) durability kit designed to extend time on wing, as well as a reverse bleed system (RBS).

“This MoU marks a new milestone in our successful relationship with Turkish Airlines, a trusted partner for nearly four decades. It reflects our shared ambition to support the airline’s continued growth and fleet expansion. The MoU demonstrates our broader commitment to an open MRO ecosystem, which provides airlines with flexibility and competitive services to improve operational performance and manage costs effectively,” said Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran.

Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, said: “We are proud to partner with Turkish Airlines as it continues flying to the most countries in the world. Putting its trust in CFM to provide highly reliable and efficient engines to support the growth of its Istanbul network and engine MRO capabilities is a responsibility we take seriously. We look forward to building on our proven partnership with this next chapter.”

The agreement reinforces Turkish Airlines' long-standing partnership with CFM International and marks a new phase in the integration of newly ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into its fleet. It will also strengthen Turkish Technic's engine maintenance capabilities through the establishment of a new facility to provide comprehensive maintenance services.