The key facts

  • The memorandum was signed in Istanbul on October 16, 2026 between Turkish Airlines, Turkish Technic and CFM International
  • The engines, including spares, are intended for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (100 firm orders and 50 options)
  • The agreement covers the entire LEAP-1B fleet of Turkish Airlines and AJet — more than 600 engines, including previously ordered ones and options

Engine and Maintenance Agreement

Turkish Airlines and CFM International signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, October 16, 2026, for the purchase of more than 300 aircraft engines and long-term maintenance of a fleet of over 600 engines. The new engines, including spares, are intended for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft — under an order announced in late September that includes 100 firm orders and 50 options.

Fleet Coverage and Creation of an MRO Center

The services agreement covers the entire LEAP-1B engine fleet of Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary airline AJet, including previously ordered or delivered engines, spares, engines on leased aircraft and potential options. The memorandum also contains a material services agreement for the creation in Turkey of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) center for engines.

Signing Ceremony and Statements

The signing took place at a ceremony in Istanbul attended by Turkish Airlines Chairman Murat Şeker, Turkish Technic General Manager Mikail Akbulut and Safran CEO Olivier Andriès (Safran is one of the two parent companies of CFM). Şeker said the agreement would support the expansion of the fleet, route network and operational efficiency, as well as provide expertise and support for developing LEAP engine servicing capabilities. Akbulut noted that Turkish Technic will expand its LEAP engine maintenance competencies, continuing to invest alongside existing areas. Andriès called the agreement another milestone in a partnership lasting almost four decades. GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp Jr. said the cooperation would support the expansion of the airline's Istanbul network and the development of its engine maintenance competencies.

Fleet Context and LEAP

Including the AJet fleet, Turkish Airlines currently operates 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft with CFM56-7B engines and 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with LEAP-1B engines. According to the companies, CFM has delivered more than 10,000 LEAP engines in the decade since the family entered service, and the fleet's flight time has exceeded 100 million flight hours.