SunExpress and Lufthansa Technik Sign Five-Year Engine MRO Agreement

This article is based on an official press release from Lufthansa Technik and additional industry data.

SunExpress and Lufthansa Technik Seal “Cross-Generational” Engine Support Deal

SunExpress, the joint venture airline established by Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, has officially secured the long-term operational stability of its Boeing 737 fleet through a new five-year agreement with Lufthansa Technik. Announced on January 15, 2026, the exclusive contract covers maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for both the carrier’s legacy and next-generation engine types.

According to the joint announcement, the agreement spans from 2026 through 2031. It is designed to address the complex “dual-fleet” requirements of modern aviation, covering the CFM56-7B engines that power the airline’s established Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) fleet, as well as the LEAP-1B engines utilized by its expanding Boeing 737-8 (MAX) fleet.

This strategic move ensures that SunExpress retains access to premium MRO slots during a period of high industry demand. The work will primarily be conducted at Lufthansa Technik’s main engine workshops in Hamburg, Germany, with additional support provided by XEOS, a specialized facility in Poland.

Scope of the Five-Year Agreement

The contract represents a comprehensive support package tailored to an airline in the midst of a significant fleet transition. Lufthansa Technik has confirmed that the scope of work includes full overhauls, performance restoration shop visits, and “quick turn” surgical repairs designed to minimize downtime.

Supporting the Legacy Fleet

Despite the industry’s gradual shift toward newer aircraft, the CFM56-7B remains a workhorse for SunExpress. With global supply chain issues delaying the delivery of new jets across the sector, airlines are flying older aircraft longer than originally planned. This agreement secures critical shop capacity for the CFM56-7B, ensuring the 737-800 fleet remains reliable through the end of the decade.

Enabling the Next Generation

Simultaneously, the deal covers the LEAP-1B engines for the Boeing 737 MAX. As SunExpress integrates these more fuel-efficient aircraft, having ordered up to 90 MAX jets in late 2023, the need for specialized next-gen maintenance is rising. Lufthansa Technik noted that this agreement validates their early investment in LEAP capabilities, including the ramp-up of operations at their XEOS facility in Środa Śląska, Poland.

Executive Commentary

Both companies emphasized the strategic importance of securing maintenance capacity for both engine generations simultaneously. Cemil Sayar, Chief Operating Officer of SunExpress, highlighted the focus on reliability.

“This strategic partnership reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of reliability and performance across our Boeing 737 fleet. By covering both our legacy CFM56-7B engines and the latest-generation LEAP-1B engines, the agreement supports our fleet development while ensuring high-quality MRO services.”

, Cemil Sayar, COO of SunExpress

Harald Gloy, COO of Lufthansa Technik, noted the unique market dynamics requiring support for overlapping technologies.

“The rollover to the latest-generation types such as the LEAP-1B engine is progressing steadily, but its venerable CFM56-7B predecessor is also still going strong and creating demand for MRO capacity. Thus, we are pleased that we can offer SunExpress our enormous expertise for both generations of Boeing 737 powerplants.”

, Harald Gloy, COO of Lufthansa Technik

Strategic Context

AirPro News Analysis: The Dual-Fleet Challenge

At AirPro News, we observe that this agreement underscores a critical trend in the 2026 aviation landscape: the “dual-fleet” challenge. Airlines are no longer simply swapping old planes for new ones; they are operating them in parallel for extended periods due to manufacturer delivery delays.

Industry data suggests that shop visits for the legacy CFM56-7B are peaking, with forecasts predicting approximately 1,900 visits annually through 2026. By locking in a five-year exclusive deal with a top-tier provider like Lufthansa Technik, SunExpress is effectively insulating itself from the capacity crunches affecting the broader MRO market. Furthermore, the inclusion of the LEAP-1B engines ensures that the airline’s sustainability goals, driven by the 15-20% fuel efficiency gains of the MAX fleet, are not compromised by maintenance bottlenecks.

Company Backgrounds

SunExpress was founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. It operates as a leisure carrier connecting Europe with Turkey and other holiday destinations. As of early 2026, the airline operates an all-Boeing fleet comprising over 60 737-800s and a rapidly growing number of 737-8 MAX aircraft, targeting a total fleet size of approximately 150 aircraft in the coming decade.

Lufthansa Technik is the world’s leading provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. A subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, the company reported revenues of approximately €6.5 billion in 2023. While it shares a parent company with SunExpress, this agreement is a commercial contract that reinforces Lufthansa Technik’s competitive position in the open MRO market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines are covered by this agreement?

The agreement covers the CFM56-7B (powering the Boeing 737-800 NG) and the LEAP-1B (powering the Boeing 737-8 MAX).

Where will the maintenance take place?

The primary work will be conducted at Lufthansa Technik’s facilities in Hamburg, Germany. Overflow and specialized LEAP work may also be handled at the XEOS facility in Poland.

How long does the contract last?

The exclusive agreement is valid for five years, running from 2026 through 2031.

Sources

• Lufthansa Technik Press Release