The CFM engine agreement signed on October 16, 2026, outlines Turkish Airlines’ purchase of more than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spares, for its Boeing 737 MAX expansion. The memorandum of understanding with CFM International also includes long-term services covering more than 600 engines across Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AJet.
Key Takeaways
- The engine purchase is outlined in a memorandum of understanding, not a finalized purchase contract.
- The aircraft commitment comprises 100 firm Boeing 737 MAX orders and 50 options.
- The package includes fleet-wide engine services and support for a planned maintenance facility in Türkiye.
Table of Contents
- CFM engine agreement separates purchases from fleet support
- Maintenance package supports a planned Turkish facility
- Existing fleet provides the operating base
- Conclusion
CFM engine agreement separates purchases from fleet support
Turkish Airlines and CFM’s memorandum of understanding combines engines for newly ordered aircraft with support for a broader installed and planned fleet. CFM is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, giving both companies a role in the proposed engine and services business.
The distinction between the two engine totals matters. More than 300 engines, including spares, relate to the new aircraft purchase. The services scope exceeds 600 engines because it also includes previously ordered and delivered engines, spares, engines associated with leased aircraft and potential options.
The aircraft order therefore represents up to 150 jets, rather than 150 firm commitments. The announcement does not disclose a contract value or an engine delivery schedule.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| New engine purchase | More than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spares. |
| Aircraft commitment | 100 firm Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 50 options. |
| Long-term services | More than 600 LEAP-1B engines across Turkish Airlines and AJet. |
| Maintenance development | Material services support for a planned engine maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Türkiye. |
Maintenance package supports a planned Turkish facility
Alongside long-term engine services, the memorandum includes a material services agreement to support the establishment of an engine maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Türkiye. The facility is planned, rather than already operating under this agreement.
Turkish Technic Chief Executive Mikail Akbulut said the agreement would enable comprehensive LEAP engine maintenance operations. The package therefore extends beyond supplying engines: it also supports the airline group’s ability to maintain them.
For GE Aerospace and Safran, the commercial scope includes both equipment supply and longer-term maintenance support. The announcement does not quantify the resulting revenue or earnings contribution.
Existing fleet provides the operating base
At the announcement, Turkish Airlines and AJet together operated 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by LEAP-1B engines. They also operated 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines.
The proposed package builds on that existing relationship while broadening support to future aircraft and potential options. Its full eventual scale will depend in part on whether the optional aircraft are taken up.
Conclusion
The memorandum sets out a combined engine-supply and maintenance package, not a completed delivery program. The next developments to watch are final purchase arrangements and progress toward the planned maintenance facility; the announcement provides no timetable for either.
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