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.
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 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.”
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.
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.
Question: What are the key components of the agreement between Turkish Airlines and GE Aerospace? Question: Is this engine deal part of a larger aircraft order? Question: When are the new Boeing 787s scheduled for delivery? Question: Has Turkish Airlines used GE engines on its Dreamliners before?
Turkish Airlines Finalizes Major Engine Deal with GE Aerospace for 75 Dreamliners
The Anatomy of the Agreement
A Strategic Pillar for Future Growth
Conclusion: Powering a Path to 2035
FAQ
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.
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.
Answer: The aircraft deliveries are planned to take place between 2029 and 2034.
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
Aergo Capital Acquires Boeing 737 MAX 8 from Aircastle Leased to WestJet
Aergo Capital acquires a Boeing 737 MAX 8 from Aircastle currently leased to WestJet, highlighting active secondary market demand and expanding Aergo’s aviation portfolio.
This article is based on an official press release from Aergo Capital.
Dublin-based aircraft leasing and asset management platform Aergo Capital has announced the acquisition of one Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from Aircastle. The transaction, announced on December 16, 2025, involves an aircraft bearing Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 60513, which is currently on lease to Canadian carrier WestJet.
This acquisition marks a continuation of Aergo Capital’s strategy to invest in modern, fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft. According to the company’s official statement, the deal underscores the active secondary market for the 737 MAX and strengthens the trading relationship between the two major lessors. The aircraft remains in operation with WestJet, ensuring continuity for the airline while transferring asset ownership to Aergo.
The deal highlights the growing collaboration between Aergo Capital and WestJet, following significant transactions earlier in the operational year. By acquiring this asset, Aergo expands its portfolio of liquid, in-demand aviation assets while Aircastle executes its strategy of active portfolio management.
The specific asset involved in the transaction is a Boeing 737 MAX 8, identified by MSN 60513. Fleet data indicates this aircraft operates under the registration C-GRAX. Originally delivered during the initial rollout phase of the MAX program, the aircraft is approximately eight years old and represents the current generation of Boeing’s narrowbody technology.
Fred Browne, Chief Executive Officer of Aergo Capital, emphasized the importance of the acquisition in strengthening ties with both the seller and the lessee. In a statement regarding the deal, Browne noted:
“We are pleased to complete the acquisition of this Boeing 737 MAX 8 from Aircastle… I also extend my thanks to WestJet for their continued partnership and support.”
On the seller’s side, Aircastle, a Stamford-based lessor owned by Marubeni Corporation and Mizuho Leasing, viewed the sale as a testament to their strong commercial network. Michael Inglese, CEO of Aircastle, commented on the relationship between the firms:
“We value the long-standing trading relationship we have built with Aergo… The acquisition underscores the strong commercial relationship between Aergo and Aircastle.”
This transaction is not an isolated event but rather part of a deepening relationship between Aergo Capital and WestJet. In August 2024, Aergo completed a significant sale-and-leaseback transaction involving eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft with the Canadian airline. That deal marked the first major collaboration between the two entities. The addition of this 737 MAX 8 further cements Aergo’s position as a key partner in WestJet’s fleet financing structure. For Aircastle, the sale aligns with a strategy of capital recycling and portfolio optimization. Trading assets with leases attached is a common practice in the aircraft leasing industry, allowing lessors to manage age profiles and risk exposure. For WestJet, the transaction represents a “backend” change of lessor; the airline retains physical possession and operational control of the aircraft, merely redirecting lease payments to the new owner, Aergo Capital.
The Secondary Market for the MAX 8
The transfer of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 between two major lessors highlights the intense demand for this asset class in the secondary market. With new aircraft production facing documented delays across the industry, “on-lease” assets, aircraft that are already built, certified, and generating revenue, have become premium commodities.
While an eight-year-old airframe might typically be considered approaching mid-life, the 737 MAX 8 remains a current-generation asset offering approximately 14% better fuel efficiency than its predecessors. For lessors like Aergo Capital, acquiring such an asset avoids the long wait times associated with factory order books. For the industry at large, this trade signals that liquidity for the MAX platform remains robust, despite, or perhaps because of, supply chain constraints limiting the delivery of new metal.
Sources:
Aergo Capital Acquires WestJet-Leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 from Aircastle
Transaction Overview and Executive Commentary
Strategic Context and WestJet Partnership
Deepening Ties with WestJet
Asset Liquidity and Market Demand
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: Aergo Capital
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Qanot Sharq Receives First Airbus A321XLR in Central Asia
Qanot Sharq becomes Central Asia’s first operator of the Airbus A321XLR, expanding long-haul routes to North America and Asia from Tashkent.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and Qanot Sharq.
On December 19, 2025, Qanot Sharq, Uzbekistan’s first private airline, officially took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft. The delivery, facilitated through a lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC), marks a historic milestone for aviation in the region, as Qanot Sharq becomes the launch operator of the A321XLR in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
This aircraft is the first of four confirmed A321XLR units destined for the carrier. According to the official announcement, the airline intends to utilize the aircraft’s extended range to open new long-haul markets that were previously inaccessible to single-aisle jets, including planned services to North America and East Asia.
The newly delivered A321XLR is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines and features a two-class layout designed to balance capacity with passenger comfort on longer sectors. The aircraft accommodates a total of 190 passengers.
In addition to the seating configuration, the aircraft is fitted with Airbus’ “Airspace” cabin interior. Key features include customizable LED lighting, lower cabin altitude settings to reduce jet lag, and XL overhead bins that provide 60% more storage capacity compared to previous generation aircraft.
Nosir Abdugafarov, the owner of Qanot Sharq, emphasized the strategic importance of the delivery in a statement regarding the fleet expansion.
“The A321XLR’s exceptional range and efficiency will allow us to offer greater comfort and convenience while maintaining highly competitive operating economics.”
, Nosir Abdugafarov, Owner of Qanot Sharq
The introduction of the A321XLR allows Qanot Sharq to deploy a narrowbody aircraft on routes typically reserved for widebody jets. With a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), the airline plans to connect Tashkent with destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America.
According to the airline’s strategic roadmap, the new fleet will support route expansion to Sanya (China) and Busan (South Korea). Furthermore, the airline has explicitly outlined plans to serve New York (JFK) via Budapest. While the A321XLR has impressive range, the distance between Tashkent and New York (approximately 5,500 nm) necessitates a technical stop. Budapest will serve as this intermediate point, potentially allowing the airline to tap into passenger demand between Central Europe and the United States, subject to regulatory approvals. AJ Abedin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Air Lease Corporation, noted the geographical advantages available to the airline.
“Qanot Sharq is uniquely positioned to unlock the full potential of the A321XLR due to its strategic location in Uzbekistan, bridging Europe and Asia.”
, AJ Abedin, SVP Marketing, Air Lease Corporation
The delivery of the A321XLR signals a distinct shift in the competitive landscape of Uzbek aviation. Until now, long-haul flights from Tashkent,specifically to the United States,have been the exclusive domain of the state-owned flag carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, which utilizes Boeing 787 Dreamliners for non-stop service.
By adopting the A321XLR, Qanot Sharq appears to be pursuing a “long-haul low-cost” hybrid model. The A321XLR burns approximately 30% less fuel per seat than previous-generation aircraft, allowing the private carrier to operate long routes with significantly lower trip costs than its state-owned competitor. While the one-stop service via Budapest will result in a longer total travel time compared to Uzbekistan Airways’ direct flights, the lower operating costs could allow Qanot Sharq to offer more competitive fares, appealing to price-sensitive travelers and labor migrants.
Furthermore, the choice of Budapest as a stopover is strategic. If Qanot Sharq secures “Fifth Freedom” rights,which are currently a subject of regulatory negotiation,it could monetize the empty seats on the Budapest-New York sector, effectively competing in the transatlantic market while serving its primary base in Central Asia.
Sources: Airbus Press Release, Air Lease Corporation
Qanot Sharq Becomes First Central Asian Operator of Airbus A321XLR
Aircraft Configuration and Capabilities
Strategic Network Expansion
AirPro News Analysis: The Long-Haul Low-Cost Shift
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
China Airlines Orders Five Additional Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft
China Airlines adds five Airbus A350-1000s to its fleet, enhancing capacity on transpacific and European routes with deliveries from 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional industry data regarding fleet modernization.
China Airlines (CAL) has officially signed a firm orders for five additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, signaling a continued commitment to modernizing its long-haul operations. Announced on December 18, 2025, this agreement increases the Taiwan-based carrier’s total backlog for the A350-1000 variant to 15 aircraft. The move is part of a broader strategy to replace aging widebody jets and enhance capacity on high-density routes connecting Asia with North America and Europe.
According to the official statement released by Airbus, these new aircraft will join the airline’s existing fleet of 15 A350-900s. The decision to expand the A350-1000 order book underscores the operator’s reliance on the A350 family’s commonality, which allows for streamlined pilot training and maintenance procedures. Deliveries for the newly ordered jets are scheduled to commence in 2026 and continue through 2029.
The deal also highlights the competitive landscape of widebody aviation in the Asia-Pacific region. By securing these additional units, China Airlines aims to deploy its flagship product on slot-constrained routes where maximizing passenger count per movement is critical. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, known for their efficiency in long-range operations.
China Airlines plans to utilize the A350-1000 primarily for its most prestigious long-haul markets. Industry reports indicate that the aircraft will be deployed on key transpacific routes to New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), and Ontario, California (ONT), as well as European hubs like London Heathrow (LHR). The A350-1000 offers significantly higher capacity than the -900 variant, making it a strategic asset for airports with limited landing slots.
Coinciding with these deliveries, the airline is preparing to unveil a major upgrade to its onboard product. Sources familiar with the carrier’s fleet planning suggest a new cabin design will debut in 2027. This retrofit is expected to feature business class suites with closing doors, 4K entertainment screens, and wireless charging capabilities, aiming to rival premium competitors such as Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
The interior aesthetic will likely continue the carrier’s “Oriental aesthetics” theme, utilizing persimmon wood-grain finishes and mood lighting to evoke a boutique hotel atmosphere. While the current A350-900 seats 306 passengers, the larger -1000 variant is projected to accommodate between 350 and 400 passengers, providing a substantial boost in premium economy and economy seat inventory.
Both China Airlines and Airbus executives emphasized the efficiency and passenger comfort benefits of the A350-1000. In the official press release, Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of China Airlines, noted the alignment of this order with the carrier’s sustainability and service goals. “Expanding our A350-1000 fleet marks another important step in our long-term growth strategy. The A350’s exceptional efficiency and passenger comfort align with our goals to modernize our fleet, enhance long-haul competitiveness, and deliver an elevated travel experience to our customers.”
Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of China Airlines
Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales, added that the repeat order validates the aircraft’s performance in the heavy widebody segment.
“This follow-on order is a strong vote of confidence in the A350-1000 as the right aircraft for China Airlines’ future network ambitions. Its next-generation efficiency, range, and cabin comfort brings even greater value to the airline and its passengers.”
Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Sales
This order reinforces a “split fleet” procurement strategy that has become increasingly common among major global carriers. While China Airlines has committed to the Boeing 777X for specific high-volume trunk routes and the 787 Dreamliner for regional replacement, the expansion of the A350-1000 fleet secures Airbus’s position as the backbone of the airline’s medium-to-large widebody operations.
From a financial perspective, based on 2025 list prices of approximately $366.5 million per unit, the deal holds a theoretical face value of roughly $1.83 billion, though actual acquisition costs are typically 40-50% lower after standard industry discounts. Environmentally, the shift is significant; the A350-1000 offers a 25% reduction in fuel burn compared to the previous generation aircraft it replaces, such as the Boeing 747-400 freighters and older passenger jets. This efficiency gain is a critical component of the airline’s roadmap to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
China Airlines Bolsters Long-Haul Capacity with Additional A350-1000 Order
Strategic Deployment and Cabin Innovation
Next-Generation Passenger Experience
Executive Commentary
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
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