Turkish Airlines Orders 220 Additional Airbus Aircraft

Turkish Airlines has ordered 220 additional Airbus aircraft, comprised of 150 A321s, and 70 A350 Family aircraft, including 50 A350-900s, 15 A150-1000s and five A350F freighters.  This follows the airline’s previous order for 14 A350 Family jets earlier this year.

Turkish Airlines Orders 220 Additional Airbus Aircraft - Courtesy Airbus

On Friday (December 15, 2023), Airbus announced that Turkish Airlines has ordered 220 new Airbus Aircraft.  The order is comprised of 150 A321neos and 70 A350 Family, including 50 A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s, and five A350F freighters.  This order follows the airline’s previous orders for 10 A350-900s in September and four A350-900s in July 2023.  With the new order, Turkish Airlines’ total orderbook with Airbus includes 504 aircraft, 212 of which have already been delivered.

In Friday’s order announcement, Turkish Airlines’ Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, said,

“This landmark order is more than an expansion; it’s a testament to our dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and a sustainable future.  The addition of these advanced Airbus aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also significantly contribute to our environmental goals.  This investment is a crucial milestone in the further evolution of Türkiye’s aviation industry.  By modernising 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.”

Also commenting on the landmark order, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer, added,

“This order for the latest generation aircraft is a demonstration of the bold vision by Turkish Airlines. The A350-900, A350-1000, A350F and A321 will all be flagship aircraft in their respective category and efficiency drivers to shape the airline’s future and sustainable expansion, with more range, less fuel, noise and emissions and best cabin in class.  The opening into the A350-1000 and the A350F highlights the cross-model value of the A350 family and reinforces our long-lasting partnership with Turkish Airlines and Türkiye’s aviation sector.  We are proud to accompany Türkiye's connection to the world with our state-of-the-art aircraft.”

The Airbus A321neo is the largest member of the A320neo Family, and incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets to deliver a 50 percent noise reduction, as well as a more than 20 percent reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.  To date, over 5,600 A321neos have been ordered by more than 100 customers worldwide.

The Airbus A350 Family is the long-range leader in the 300-410 seat category, and features a clean sheet design that includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics, delivering unparalleled standards of comfort and efficiency.  The aircraft also features the unique Airspace cabin, which offers the quietest twin-aisle onboard experience aloft.  With new generation engines and the use of lightweight materials, the A350 is the most fuel efficient aircraft in its class, and also offers a 50 percent noise footprint reduction compared to previous generation aircraft.  At November 30, 2023, the Airbus A350 Family had won 1,072 firm orders from 57 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft in history.

The Airbus A350F freighter features the largest main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimized for cargo operations.  With over 70 percent of the airframe made from advanced materials and efficient Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft delivers a fuel burn and emissions reduction of at least 20 percent versus its current closest competitor.  Including Turkish Airline’s new order, the A350F has to date won 50 orders from nine customers.

Source: Airbus