October 17, 2026 — Turkish Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with engine maker CFM International for more than 300 LEAP-1B engines for its next wave of Boeing 737 MAX jets, and its maintenance arm, Turkish Technic, plans a new LEAP engine overhaul shop in Türkiye.
What happened
The deal, made public on October 16, was signed in Istanbul by Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Murat Şeker, Turkish Technic CEO Mikail Akbulut and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, which co-owns CFM with GE Aerospace. It is a memorandum of understanding, so firm contract terms and value have not been published (TBA).
| Part of the deal | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Engine purchase | More than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spares, for 100 firm and 50 option 737 MAX aircraft announced on September 23 |
| Long-term services agreement | The whole LEAP-1B fleet: engines already ordered and delivered, spares, engines on leased aircraft and possible future options — more than 600 engines across Turkish Airlines and AJet |
| Material services agreement | Support for Turkish Technic to set up a new LEAP engine maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Türkiye (location, size and opening date TBA) |
The fleet today
Turkish Airlines and AJet currently fly 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft with CFM56-7B engines and 79 737 MAX aircraft with LEAP-1B engines.
Şeker said the step with CFM “will support our growing fleet, network, and operational efficiency.” Akbulut said the agreement will let Turkish Technic offer full maintenance for the LEAP engine.
What it means for non-revs
- No immediate change to your trips. These engines are for future 737 MAX deliveries, and no delivery dates were given, so loads and schedules are unaffected for now.
- A bigger narrowbody fleet means more seats over time. Up to 150 more 737 MAX jets for Turkish Airlines and AJet should add seats to the network over time, which tends to help standby chances once the aircraft arrive.
- Maintenance people take note. A new LEAP engine overhaul shop at Turkish Technic would mean more in-house engine work in Türkiye. Jobs and timing have not been announced.
- Interline and ZED travel: nothing in this deal changes Turkish Airlines’ staff travel agreements.
Sources
- AviTrader — Turkish Airlines agrees to buy more than 300 LEAP engines
- American Journal of Transportation — Turkish Airlines and CFM Sign MoU for more than 600 LEAP-1B Engines
- FlightGlobal — Turkish plans new MRO site as it signs for Leaps to power latest 737 Max jets
Get NonRev Travel News by email
A weekly recap newsletter, sent out every Sunday, with the airline, airport, cruise and travel-warning news that matters to airline employees and retirees. Free.
Subscribe free
