The American aviation giant Boeing celebrated its 80th year in Türkiye with a special event held in Istanbul. The company’s Global President, Brendan Nelson, emphasised that Türkiye is not merely a market for Boeing, but “a strong talent pool and a strategic partner.”
Boeing crowned its 80-year journey in Türkiye—which began in 1945 when Turkish Airlines added its first DC-3/C-47 aircraft to its fleet—with a special event held in Istanbul. Over this period, the company expanded its supply chain and made significant contributions to exports and employment through its investments in Türkiye’s aviation ecosystem.
Boeing continues to increase its presence in Türkiye with its offices in Ankara and Istanbul, as well as its engineering and technology centre.
“Türkiye is a strong talent pool for Boeing”
Boeing Global President Brendan Nelson expressed the importance they attach to Türkiye with the following words during the event:
“Türkiye is far more than a market for Boeing; it is a strategic partner, a very strong talent pool, and a country that inspires us with its aviation vision. Turkish engineers and the manufacturing industry play critical roles in the world’s most advanced technology programmes.”
The more than 350 Boeing aircraft currently operating in Türkiye clearly demonstrate the depth of this partnership. Boeing’s collaborations with Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, Pegasus Airlines, and Corendon Airlines cover the company’s flagship models, including the 737, 777, and 787.
Strong cooperation in defence
In addition to commercial aviation, Boeing works closely with Türkiye in the defence sector. Platforms such as the E-7T Peace Eagle and the CH-47F Chinook, which are in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces, bear the Boeing signature.
Investment in sustainable aviation and local talent
Boeing continues to enhance local capabilities through projects conducted in collaboration with universities, research institutions, and sector organisations in Türkiye.
The Boeing–Türkiye National Aviation Plan (NAI) lies at the heart of this strategy.
The Türkiye Sustainable Aviation Platform, developed jointly with Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Technical University, contributes to the country’s sustainability vision.
“We have provided over 6 million dollars in support for education projects”
Ayşem Sargın, Boeing Türkiye and Central Asia Managing Director, highlighted the company’s contributions over its 80-year presence in Türkiye, stating:
“To date, we have contributed more than 6 million dollars to education and training programmes. Through projects such as the Newton Mobile Science Workshop and the Newton Flight Academy, we inspire young people in aviation and STEM fields.”
Boeing will continue to grow with Türkiye
Boeing officials underline Türkiye’s potential to become a global hub in the aviation sector, noting that joint projects in both commercial and defence fields will expand further in the coming years.
The company is preparing to carry its 80-year collaboration into the future with new investments, sustainability initiatives, and the strength of local engineering.
