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
ETF Airways Adds Fourth Boeing 737-800 to Its Fleet
Croatian ACMI operator ETF Airways inducts Boeing 737-800 9A-ICF, growing its fleet to five aircraft.
This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.
Croatian charter and ACMI operator ETF Airways has expanded its operational capacity with the induction of a Boeing 737-800, registered as 9A-ICF. The addition brings the carrier’s total fleet to five aircraft, supporting its growing footprint in the European wet-lease market.
The airline announced the fleet addition in early June 2026 through an official company statement. The aircraft represents the fourth Boeing 737-800 to join the Zagreb-based operator, which specializes in providing Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) services to partner airlines.
Aircraft history and specifications
The newly inducted Boeing 737-800, specifically a 737-8FZ variant, is powered by CFM International CFM56-7B26 engines and configured with 189 economy-class seats. According to fleet data from AvioRadar, the airframe holds Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 29659 and Line Number 3280.
Prior to joining ETF Airways, the aircraft operated for multiple carriers across Asia and Europe. Its operational history includes the following milestones:
- May 2010: Completed its first flight and was delivered to Shandong Airlines, registered as B-5531.
- September 2018: Transferred to South Korean low-cost carrier Eastar Jet, registered as HL8325.
- February 2026: Placed in storage under the Norwegian Air Shuttle Air Operator Certificate, registered as LN-NIK.
- June 2026: Officially entered service with ETF Airways as 9A-ICF.
In its announcement, ETF Airways highlighted the role of the new aircraft in maintaining operational reliability.
As our fleet continues to grow, so does our commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and exceptional service to our partners and passengers around the world.
Strategic growth and diversification
The arrival of 9A-ICF follows a period of strategic diversification for ETF Airways. In March 2026, the airline took delivery of its first turboprop aircraft, an ATR 72-600 registered as 9A-ATR. This marked a departure from its previously all-jet fleet, allowing the company to target regional market segments and short-haul ACMI contracts.
The fleet expansion aligns with broader infrastructure investments by the company. In late 2025, ETF Airways outlined plans to establish a dedicated maintenance base at Zadar Airport (ZAD) in Croatia, alongside the formation of independent maintenance and travel subsidiaries.
AirPro News analysis
We view ETF Airways’ dual-pronged fleet strategy as a calculated response to shifting demands in the European ACMI sector. By maintaining a core fleet of 189-seat Boeing 737-800s, the airline can seamlessly integrate into the summer schedules of major European leisure and low-cost carriers. Simultaneously, the recent introduction of the ATR 72-600 provides the flexibility to serve thinner regional routes where narrowbody jets are economically unviable. Securing mid-life 737-800s from the secondary market remains a cost-effective method for ACMI operators to scale capacity without the capital expenditure required for new-generation aircraft.
Sources: ETF Airways
Photo Credit: ETF Airways
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Azorra Completes Placement of 12 Ex-EGYPTAIR A220-300s
Azorra delivers final ex-EGYPTAIR A220-300 to Breeze Airways, with four airframes parted out to address PW1500G engine shortages.
Aircraft lessor Azorra has finalized the placement of 12 Airbus A220-300 aircraft formerly operated by EGYPTAIR, concluding a transaction that redistributes the narrowbody jets to new operators and dismantles select airframes to ease industry-wide supply chain constraints.
In a press release issued on June 10, 2026, Azorra confirmed the delivery of the final aircraft from the portfolio to Breeze Airways. The lessor initially purchased the 12 aircraft in February 2024 to facilitate the Egyptian flag carrier’s fleet transformation program.
Fleet redistribution and strategic part-outs
According to reporting by Air Data News, the 12 aircraft have been divided among three primary destinations. Breeze Airways received seven of the airframes, while Cyprus Airways took delivery of one.
The remaining four aircraft were allocated for a more unconventional purpose. In April 2025, Azorra entered an agreement with Delta Material Services to part out the four young airframes. Cirium Profiles data indicates this move was designed to supply critical components and spare Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines to support Delta Air Lines and its active A220 fleet.
Azorra Chief Executive Officer John Evans stated the transaction demonstrates the company’s ability to create innovative solutions across the aviation ecosystem.
“Beyond expanding our A220 portfolio, these aircraft are helping address critical spare engine and parts availability challenges while supporting operators around the world,” Evans said.
Evans also noted the collaboration of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney throughout the complex transaction process, reaffirming the lessor’s confidence in the A220’s economics and performance.
EGYPTAIR’s operational shift
The sale of the A220-300 fleet resolves ongoing operational challenges for EGYPTAIR. Aviation Week previously reported that the carrier had grounded portions of its A220 fleet due to durability issues and maintenance delays associated with the PW1500G engines.
By divesting the relatively young aircraft, EGYPTAIR aims to improve maintenance commonality and focus on other aircraft types within its network.
Capt. Ahmed Adel, Chairman & CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company, noted the transaction formed an important part of the airline’s fleet transformation strategy. He expressed confidence that the aircraft would continue to deliver strong value for their new operators.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to part out four young Airbus A220-300 airframes underscores the severity of the supply chain constraints currently impacting the global aviation industry. We view this as a highly pragmatic asset management strategy. While parting out early-life airframes is typically a last resort, the chronic shortage of spare PW1500G engines has altered the economic calculus for lessors and operators alike.
By sacrificing a portion of the ex-EGYPTAIR fleet, Azorra is enabling Delta Air Lines to keep a larger portion of its own A220 fleet operational. This transaction also solidifies Azorra’s position as a dominant player in the A220 market. The lessor currently has 28 A220s in service globally and another 15 on order, representing a significant portion of its 338-asset portfolio.
Sources: Azorra
Photo Credit: Azorra
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
ACG Extends $3.1 Billion Credit Facility to June 2030
Aviation Capital Group extends its $3.1B revolving credit facility to 2030, backed by 24 banks and a 121-aircraft 737 MAX backlog.
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has secured long-term liquidity by extending the maturity of its $3.1 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility to June 2030.
Announced in a press release on June 10, 2026, the amendment and restatement of the facility was completed with JPMorgan Chase Bank acting as the administrative agent. The extension from its previous June 2028 maturity date provides the Newport Beach, California-based aircraft lessor with continued financial flexibility to fund new aircraft deliveries and support its global airline customer base.
Facility details and banking syndicate
The $3.1 billion facility is supported by commitments from 24 financial institutions. This core credit line is part of ACG’s broader liquidity strategy, which includes approximately $5.1 billion in total revolving commitments. Alongside the primary syndicate, ACG maintains a $1.5 billion line of credit provided by its parent company, Tokyo Century Corporation, and a separate $500 million revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders based in Asia.
Matthew Novell, Vice President of Capital Markets and Assistant Treasurer of ACG, stated that the extension reflects the strength of the company’s platform and the depth of its global banking relationships.
“This extension further enhances our liquidity and financial flexibility, enabling us to continue investing in our fleet, support our airline customers and execute on our growth objectives,” Novell said.
Fleet expansion and corporate restructuring
The extended credit facility arrives as ACG actively expands its portfolio, which stood at approximately 500 owned, managed, and committed aircraft as of March 31, 2026. The lessor currently places aircraft with roughly 90 Airlines across 50 countries. To support this fleet growth, ACG finalized an Orders for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets on January 13, 2026, splitting the commitment evenly between the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Boeing 737 MAX 10 variants. This order increased the company’s total 737 MAX backlog to 121 aircraft.
Deliveries are ongoing, with ACG handing over its first of six new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to Royal Air Maroc on March 31, 2026. The lessor has also restructured its executive team to manage these manufacturer relationships, appointing Rob Downes to the newly created role of Chief Original Equipment OEMs Officer on April 16, 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful extension of ACG’s $3.1 billion credit facility as a strong indicator of institutional confidence in the aircraft leasing sector. By pushing the maturity date to 2030, ACG insulates itself from near-term refinancing risks while securing the capital required to absorb its expanding Boeing 737 MAX order book. The backing of 24 financial institutions, combined with the $1.5 billion backstop from Tokyo Century, positions the lessor to capitalize on high global demand for narrowbody lift even as it navigates a transition period following the May 31, 2026, departure of Chief Financial Officer Craig Segor.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Boeing
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