THY is preparing to launch a tender for engine procurement covering 800 aircraft. The establishment of maintenance centers in Türkiye is also being required in the $2.5–3 billion process.
Turkish Airlines is preparing a comprehensive tender for the procurement of engines to be used in its Airbus and Boeing fleets. The process, valued at approximately $2.5 to $3 billion, aims to meet the engine requirements of 800 aircraft and establish maintenance infrastructure in Türkiye.
THY prepares to launch tender for engine procurement
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker, General Manager Ahmet Olmuştur and Deputy General Manager Levent Konukçu made assessments regarding the engine procurement process being carried out as part of the company’s fleet planning and rising fuel costs. THY management announced that it plans to launch a tender in the near future for engine procurement covering the Airbus and Boeing fleets.
The company’s management stated that one of the most important reasons why the Boeing narrow-body aircraft orders have not yet been finalized is that a decision has not been made regarding the type of engine to be used.
Similarly, it was stated that the engine selection for the A321neo order placed by Turkish Airlines with Airbus in 2023 has not yet been completed.
Engine tender to cover 800 aircraft
The engine procurement process on Turkish Airlines’ agenda is planned to cover a total of 800 aircraft. It was stated that 250 of these aircraft will be included in the Airbus A321neo fleet.
Negotiations with engine manufacturers are continuing as part of the tender, which is expected to be worth approximately $2.5 to $3 billion.
Talks with CFM for the Boeing fleet
While negotiations are being held with CFM for the engines to be used in the Boeing 737 fleet, two different options are being evaluated for the Airbus A321neo fleet.
Pratt & Whitney and CFM alternatives are being considered for the engine procurement of the A321neo aircraft. The final selection is expected to be made following technical and commercial negotiations with the manufacturers.
Requirement to establish maintenance centers in Türkiye
Turkish Airlines is prioritizing the requirement for maintenance and repair centers to be established in Türkiye during its negotiations with engine manufacturers.
In addition to engine procurement, the company’s management aims to bring maintenance capabilities to Türkiye and strengthen long-term technical infrastructure.
A350 engine maintenance center to open in 2028
The maintenance center to be established in cooperation with Rolls-Royce and to serve the engines of Airbus A350 aircraft is planned to begin operations in January 2028.
The first engine maintenance procedure at the center is also expected to be carried out during the period when the facility enters service.
Monthly increase of $100 million in fuel costs
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Murat Şeker also drew attention to the impact of rising oil prices on the company’s costs.
Şeker stated that an increase in the price of oil from $70 to $80 per barrel raises Turkish Airlines’ monthly fuel expenses by approximately $100 million.
2026 fuel costs could reach $8.5 billion
According to current projections, Turkish Airlines’ aircraft fuel costs for 2026 are expected to reach $8.5 billion.
The company is trying to balance the increasing cost burden through higher revenues and savings measures. In this context, it was stated that some construction investments not considered operationally critical have been postponed.
