Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Turkish Airlines Signs Engine Deal with GE Aerospace for 75 Dreamliners
Turkish Airlines finalizes engine and maintenance agreement with GE Aerospace for 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to modernize its fleet by 2035.
Turkish Airlines Finalizes Major Engine Deal with GE Aerospace for 75 Dreamliners
In a significant move that solidifies its ambitious fleet expansion strategy, Turkish Airlines has officially announced an agreement with GE Aerospace. The deal secures the procurement of engines, spare engines, and comprehensive maintenance services for its recently ordered fleet of 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This decision marks a critical milestone, finalizing a major aircraft purchase announced in late 2025 and reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the Turkish flag carrier and the American aerospace giant.
The agreement is a cornerstone of Turkish Airlines’ long-term vision to modernize its fleet and support a robust growth trajectory. By selecting a trusted engine partner, the airline ensures the operational readiness and efficiency of its future widebody fleet. This move was the final prerequisite for cementing the Boeing 787 order, which is part of a larger strategic acquisition of up to 225 new-generation aircraft from Boeing. The finalization of the engine contract sends a clear signal of confidence in the future of long-haul international travel and positions Turkish Airlines for significant expansion in the coming decade.
For the broader aviation industry, this deal carries substantial weight. It represents a major win for GE Aerospace in the competitive widebody engine market and locks in a crucial order for Boeing. More importantly, it underscores a strategic alignment that extends beyond a simple transaction, touching on industrial collaboration and technological advancement. As we break down the components of this agreement, it becomes clear that it is not just about powering aircraft; it’s about fueling a national carrier’s global ambitions and deepening economic ties within the aerospace sector.
The Anatomy of the Agreement
The scope of the deal is comprehensive, covering the entire lifecycle of the engines for the 75 Boeing 787 aircraft. This includes the initial procurement of the powerplants, the supply of spare engines to ensure operational continuity and minimize downtime, and a long-term maintenance service agreement. Such full-service contracts are vital for modern airlines, as they provide predictable maintenance costs and access to the manufacturer’s technical expertise, ensuring the fleet remains reliable and efficient throughout its service life.
The aircraft at the heart of this deal are 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, a mix of the B787-9 and B787-10 variants. The order is structured with 50 firm purchases and an additional 25 purchase options, giving Turkish Airlines flexibility to adapt to future market demand. The delivery schedule for these new aircraft is slated to run between 2029 and 2034, outlining a clear roadmap for the airline’s fleet renewal and expansion over the next decade. The formal disclosure of the agreement was made in a statement to the Istanbul stock exchange, adhering to regulatory transparency.
This decision builds upon a history of collaboration. The Boeing 787 platform offers airlines a choice between two highly advanced engines: the GE GEnx and the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000. Turkish Airlines’ selection of GE Aerospace is consistent with its previous widebody orders. In a 2018 deal for 25 Dreamliners, the airline also chose GE’s GEnx-1B engines, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the engine’s performance, reliability, and efficiency. This repeat business highlights the trust and confidence the airline places in GE’s technology and support services.
This long-term partnership is built on proven performance. In a previous 2018 agreement, M. İlker Aycı, then Turkish Airlines Chairman, stated, “The GEnx engine offers the optimum reliability, utilization and fuel efficiency of any engine on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and will properly suit Turkish Airlines’ needs as we continue to enhance our aircraft fleet with modern aircraft technologies.”
A Strategic Pillar for Future Growth
This engine agreement is a critical enabler of Turkish Airlines’ overarching strategic plan, which aims for its entire fleet to be composed of new-generation aircraft by 2035. The addition of 75 fuel-efficient Dreamliners is a giant leap toward that goal. Modern aircraft like the B787, powered by advanced engines such as the GEnx, offer significant improvements in fuel burn, leading to lower operating costs and a reduced carbon footprint. This aligns with both the economic and environmental sustainability goals of the airline industry.
The deal also finalizes the widebody component of a much larger aircraft acquisition plan revealed in September 2025. Alongside the 75 Dreamliners, Turkish Airlines is also negotiating for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The engine supplier for the 737 MAX is CFM International, a joint venture co-owned by GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. This means GE technology will likely power the entirety of this 225-aircraft order, further cementing its role as a primary technology partner for the airline’s future.
Beyond the airline itself, the agreement highlights GE’s deep-rooted industrial presence in Turkey. GE Aerospace’s ties to the Turkish aviation industry are extensive. The Turkey Technology Center in Gebze played a role in the design of the GEnx engine, and TUSAS Engine Industries, Inc. (TEI), in which GE holds a significant share, manufactures hundreds of components for various GE engine programs, including the GEnx. This partnership fosters local high-tech manufacturing and engineering talent, making the deal beneficial for the broader Turkish economy.
Conclusion: Powering a Path to 2035
The finalization of the engine and services agreement between Turkish Airlines and GE Aerospace is more than just a headline deal; it is the logistical and technical bedrock of the airline’s next chapter. By securing a proven and efficient powerplant for its future 787 Dreamliner fleet, Turkish Airlines has locked in a key component of its ambitious growth and modernization strategy. This move ensures operational predictability and supports the airline’s goal of running one of the world’s most modern and efficient fleets.
Looking ahead, this partnership sets the stage for a decade of planned expansion, allowing Turkish Airlines to enhance its global network while simultaneously improving its environmental performance. It solidifies the airline’s path toward its 2035 vision, reinforces a multi-decade industrial relationship, and signals a strong, optimistic outlook for the future of global aviation. As these new aircraft take to the skies, they will be powered by a collaboration built on a shared history and a common vision for the future.
FAQ
Question: What are the key components of the agreement between Turkish Airlines and GE Aerospace?
Answer: The agreement includes the procurement of engines, spare engines, and a comprehensive long-term maintenance service plan for 75 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Question: Is this engine deal part of a larger aircraft order?
Answer: Yes, this finalizes the widebody portion of a larger strategic plan announced in September 2025 for Turkish Airlines to acquire up to 225 new Boeing aircraft, which also includes 150 Boeing 737 MAX jets.
Question: When are the new Boeing 787s scheduled for delivery?
Answer: The aircraft deliveries are planned to take place between 2029 and 2034.
Question: Has Turkish Airlines used GE engines on its Dreamliners before?
Answer: Yes, Turkish Airlines also selected GE’s GEnx-1B engines for a previous order of 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in 2018, indicating a long-standing and successful partnership.
Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Boeing and Icelease Agree on Up to Three 767-300BCF Aircraft
Icelease signs for up to three Boeing 767-300BCF aircraft, with conversions at ST Engineering Singapore starting Q1 2027.
The Boeing Company and aircraft lessor Icelease have finalized an agreement for up to three Boeing 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft, marking the leasing firm’s expansion into the medium widebody cargo market.
Announced in a press release on November 2, 2026, the transaction includes one firm order and options for two additional conversions. The aircraft will join the managed cargo portfolio of IAT Leasing, a Dublin-based sister company to Icelease.
Conversion timeline and operational details
The formal signing ceremony for the agreement took place on October 22, 2026, during the Cargo Facts Symposium. The physical conversion work will be executed at ST Engineering’s airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities located in Singapore.
Induction of the first Boeing 767-300 aircraft for conversion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. Delivery of the completed Boeing 767-300BCF to Icelease and IAT Leasing is expected to follow in the second quarter of 2027. The Boeing Converted Freighter programs are managed by The Boeing Company’s Global Services division.
Lindsey Douglas, Vice President of Cabin, Modifications, Maintenance and Digital Services at The Boeing Company, stated that the agreement underlines the continued collaboration between the two companies to meet global cargo demand.
Sigthor Einarsson, Managing Partner at Icelease, noted the strategic importance of the deal for the lessor’s broader fleet strategy.
“This agreement with Boeing to convert up to three Boeing 767 aircraft marks an important milestone for both Icelease and its Dublin-based sister company IAT Leasing,” Einarsson said.
Icelease and IAT Leasing’s growing cargo portfolio
The Boeing 767-300BCF order builds upon an established relationship between the manufacturer and the lessor. Icelease, an aircraft leasing company with a 21-year history, specializes in aircraft acquisitions, leasing, operations, finance, and investor relations. The firm was originally formed as a spinoff from Icelandair in 2005.
On November 14, 2021, Icelease placed an order for 11 Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (737-800BCF) aircraft during the Dubai Airshow. That order established Icelease as the launch customer for a new conversion line at Boeing’s London Gatwick MRO facility.
The newly ordered widebody freighters will be managed by IAT Leasing. Incorporated in late 2023, IAT Leasing is owned by four equity partners. The Dublin-based entity has rapidly built a portfolio of approximately 40 narrowbody and widebody passenger and Cargo aircraft, which are leased to operators globally. The company’s current managed cargo portfolio already includes seven Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft.
“The history between Icelease and Boeing dates over 20 years and includes a multitude of new aircraft deliveries as well as cargo conversions,” Einarsson said. “The Boeing 767-300BCF will join the growing managed cargo aircraft portfolio of IAT Leasing, which already includes seven Boeing 737-800BCF and other freighters leased to various customers.”
Widebody freighter market outlook
The Boeing 767-300BCF is positioned to serve regional and long-haul cargo networks as a highly efficient medium widebody converted freighter. The aircraft offers a payload capacity of 57 tonnes and a maximum range of 3,300 nautical miles.
The Icelease order aligns with broader industry forecasts regarding long-term air cargo growth. On October 28, 2026, The Boeing Company released projections indicating that the global freighter fleet will exceed 4,000 airplanes by 2045. The manufacturer anticipates that air cargo traffic will double over the same period, providing a sustained demand environment for passenger-to-freighter conversion programs across both narrowbody and widebody platforms.
AirPro News analysis
We view Icelease’s transition from narrowbody to medium widebody conversions as a natural progression for lessors seeking to capture higher-yield cargo segments. While the Boeing 737-800BCF serves domestic and regional express networks effectively, the Boeing 767-300BCF provides the volume and range necessary for intercontinental e-commerce flows. By securing conversion slots at ST Engineering for 2027, Icelease and IAT Leasing are positioning their portfolio to absorb capacity demands as older widebody freighters face retirement toward the end of the decade. The decision to allocate these assets to the recently formed IAT Leasing also highlights the robust investor appetite for dedicated freighter leasing vehicles.
Photo Credit: Boeing
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
AerCap Leases Two Boeing 777-300ERSF to Turkish Airlines
AerCap finalizes lease of two Boeing 777-300ERSF freighters to Turkish Airlines, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.
AerCap Holdings N.V. has finalized lease agreements with Turkish Airlines for two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters, with deliveries scheduled between March and September 2027.
Announced on October 29, 2026, the transaction expands the Turkish flag carrier’s dedicated cargo capacity while utilizing Etihad Engineering’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Abu Dhabi for the passenger-to-freighter (P2F) modifications. In a press release detailing the agreement, the Dublin-based aviation lessor emphasized the strategic alignment between the aircraft’s capabilities and the airline’s expanding freight network.
Expanding Turkish Airlines’ cargo operations
The agreement builds on an existing relationship between AerCap and Turkish Airlines, which operates a large international network requiring substantial dedicated cargo lift. The addition of the two widebody freighters is intended to support the carrier’s volume requirements on high-demand international routes.
Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer at AerCap, stated that the aircraft will provide the airline with additional cargo capacity combined with the performance capabilities specific to the 777-300ERSF platform. Financial terms of the lease agreements, including the exact lease duration and the specific aircraft serial numbers, were not disclosed in the announcement.
The Big Twin conversion program
The Boeing 777-300ERSF, marketed as “The Big Twin,” is a P2F conversion program developed through a joint venture between AerCap and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It represents the first program designed to convert the Boeing 777-300ER into a dedicated freighter configuration.
According to AerCap’s cargo division, the 777-300ERSF offers 25 percent more cargo volume than the factory-built Boeing 777-200LRF. This increased capacity positions the converted twin-engine aircraft as a cost-effective replacement for aging four-engine Boeing 747 freighters currently operating in the global fleet.
AerCap delivered the first 777-300ERSF to launch customer Kalitta Air in September 2025. Since that initial delivery, the lessor has handed over aircraft to Fly Meta and secured lease agreements with other major operators, including Ethiopian Airlines and China Southern Group.
Regional conversion strategy in Abu Dhabi
The physical conversion of the two aircraft destined for Turkish Airlines will be executed at the Etihad Engineering MRO hub in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This facility serves as a dedicated regional conversion center for the 777-300ERSF program.
Anderson highlighted the strategic importance of the location, noting that the Abu Dhabi facility provides a regional platform capability that enables aircraft to be converted in the Middle East prior to delivery. This localized approach is designed to efficiently serve customers across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) market.
“The dedicated 777-300ERSF conversion facility at Etihad Engineering’s MRO hub in Abu Dhabi provides an important regional platform capability, enabling the aircraft to be converted in the Middle East ahead of delivery to Turkish Airlines,” Anderson said.
AerCap’s broader market position
The Turkish Airlines agreement follows a period of strong financial performance for AerCap. On October 28, 2026, the company reported its third-quarter financial results, citing record adjusted earnings per share and raising its full-year 2026 guidance amid high lease rates and sustained demand for aviation assets.
As of September 30, 2026, AerCap’s total portfolio included 1,537 owned and managed aircraft, alongside approximately 1,300 engines and over 300 helicopters. The company’s dedicated cargo division manages a fleet of approximately 110 owned, managed, and on-order freighters, having completed more than 160 passenger-to-freighter conversions to date.
AirPro News analysis
We view the placement of 777-300ERSF aircraft with a major network carrier like Turkish Airlines as a strong validation of the Big Twin program’s economic proposition. As operators look to phase out older Boeing 747 freighters, the 25 percent volume advantage over the 777-200LRF makes the converted 300ER an attractive middle ground between factory-built twin-engine freighters and legacy four-engine platforms. Utilizing the Etihad Engineering facility in Abu Dhabi for a European customer also demonstrates the logistical efficiency of AerCap’s decentralized conversion strategy, reducing ferry times and regional friction for EMEA operators.
Photo Credit: AerCap
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
CDB Aviation Leases Additional Boeing 737-800 to Neos
CDB Aviation will deliver a Boeing 737-800 to Italian leisure carrier Neos in November 2026, expanding a partnership begun in 2021.
Irish aircraft lessor CDB Aviation will expand its existing relationship with Italian leisure carrier Neos S.p.A. by leasing the airline one additional Boeing 737-800 narrowbody aircraft. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in November 2026 and will support the carrier’s intra-European and intercontinental route networks.
The agreement, announced in an October 28, 2026, press release, builds upon a leasing partnership established between the two companies in 2021. The transaction highlights continued demand for current-generation narrowbody assets to sustain short- and medium-haul leisure operations.
Expanding the Neos narrowbody fleet
Neos, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alpitour S.p.A. based at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), operates an all-Boeing fleet. The airline currently utilizes 18 aircraft, comprising the Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737 MAX 8, and widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The Boeing 737-800 serves as a core asset for the airline’s short- to medium-haul leisure routes. Neos deploys these narrowbody aircraft on intra-European and select intercontinental flights. This narrowbody capacity complements its widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, which is dedicated to long-haul operations across the carrier’s 85 global destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Marco Brusa, Chief Operating Officer of Neos, stated that the planned addition reflects confidence in the lessor as a trusted partner.
“We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with CDB Aviation with the planned addition of this Boeing 737-800 to our fleet,” Brusa said. “This agreement builds on our established relationship and reflects our confidence in CDB Aviation as a trusted partner. We look forward to welcoming the aircraft and continuing our successful collaboration.”
A growing lessor-operator partnership
The commercial relationship between CDB Aviation and Neos began in 2021 with an initial agreement covering two Boeing 737-800s. CDB Aviation officially announced the delivery of those two aircraft on February 7, 2023. Those initial airframes were configured with 186 single-class seats to support the carrier’s network.
CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., operates globally from its Dublin headquarters. As of early 2025, the lessor reported a fleet of 521 owned and committed assets, with aircraft placed at 85 airlines across 40 countries.
Gavan Daly, Head of Commercial EMEA at CDB Aviation, noted the company’s satisfaction with the expanded agreement.
“We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Neos through the agreement to lease this additional 737-800 from CDB Aviation’s portfolio,” Daly said.
Photo Credit: CDB Aviation
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