Turkish Airlines, Turkish Technic and CFM International have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering the acquisition of more than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spare units, to support the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet expansion. The agreement covers 100 firm aircraft orders and options for a further 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, while establishing a long-term services framework for the carrier’s entire LEAP-1B engine fleet.
Including engines previously ordered and delivered, spare engines, units installed on leased aircraft and engines associated with potential aircraft options, the scope of the services agreement exceeds 600 LEAP-1B engines operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AJet.
The MoU was signed during a ceremony in Istanbul by Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines; Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic; and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, one of the two parent companies of CFM International.
Beyond the engine procurement and support arrangements, the agreement includes a material services agreement intended to support the development of an engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Türkiye.
Strengthening fleet support and maintenance capabilities
For Turkish Airlines, the agreement is intended to support continued growth across its fleet and international network while improving operational efficiency.
Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, said the new arrangement would strengthen the airline’s relationship with CFM through a comprehensive package of services. He highlighted the importance of securing the expertise, reliability and long-term support required to develop LEAP engine maintenance capabilities alongside an established partner.
Turkish Technic also expects the agreement to expand its role in engine maintenance. According to Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic, the arrangement will enable the company to provide comprehensive maintenance operations for LEAP engines.
Akbulut added that Turkish Technic would continue investing in engine maintenance services, as well as aircraft and component maintenance, in line with its broader strategy.
CFM highlights nearly four decades of cooperation
For Safran and CFM International, the MoU represents another milestone in a relationship with Turkish Airlines that has lasted nearly 40 years.
Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, said the agreement reflects a shared ambition to support the airline’s continued growth and fleet expansion. He also emphasized CFM’s commitment to an open MRO ecosystem, giving airlines greater flexibility and access to competitive maintenance services to improve operational performance and manage costs effectively.
H. Lawrence Culp Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, CFM International’s other parent company, also welcomed the agreement. He noted that Turkish Airlines continues to fly to the largest number of countries worldwide and said CFM takes seriously its responsibility to supply reliable, efficient engines that support the expansion of the airline’s Istanbul network and its engine maintenance capabilities.
Culp added that the agreement would build on the companies’ established partnership and open a new chapter in their cooperation.
A growing Boeing 737 fleet
Turkish Airlines currently operates 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft equipped with CFM56-7B engines, alongside 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by LEAP-1B engines. These figures include aircraft operated by AJet.
The latest agreement comes as the LEAP engine programme continues to expand. In the 10 years since the engine entered commercial service, CFM has delivered more than 10,000 LEAP engines, which have accumulated over 100 million flight hours.
CFM is also continuing to introduce improvements designed to enhance engine performance and durability. These include a high-pressure turbine (HPT) durability kit intended to extend time on wing, as well as a reverse bleed system (RBS).
A new chapter for engine MRO in Türkiye
The agreement links Turkish Airlines’ fleet expansion plans with the development of additional maintenance infrastructure in Türkiye. The planned state-of-the-art facility is expected to strengthen Turkish Technic’s engine MRO capabilities and enable the company to deliver comprehensive maintenance services for LEAP engines.
By combining additional engine procurement, long-term support and investment in local maintenance capacity, the partnership reinforces the existing relationship between Turkish Airlines and CFM International. It also supports the integration of newly ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into the airline’s expanding fleet while positioning Turkish Technic to broaden its engine maintenance operations.
