Boeing and Turkish Airlines have confirmed a firm order for up to 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the flag carrier’s largest-ever purchase of wide-body aircraft from the U.S. manufacturer. The order consists of 35 787-9s, 15 of the larger 787-10 variant, and options for an additional 25 aircraft. Boeing has emphasised that the deal will sustain more than 123,000 jobs across the United States, underscoring its economic importance.
President Tayyip Erdogan met U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, after which a series of significant announcements were made. According to REUTERS news agency, Trump expressed confidence that Turkiye would agree to halt purchases of Russian oil and signalled that U.S. sanctions on Ankara might be lifted. Such a move could clear the path for Turkiye to resume its planned acquisition of American-made F-35 fighter jets, a deal previously stalled due to diplomatic tensions.
Turkish Airlines further announced its intention to acquire up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Once finalised, this would mark its largest single-aisle aircraft order and, when combined with the Dreamliner deal, effectively double its Boeing fleet. The airline currently operates over 200 Boeing jets, including 787-9s, 777s, 737 MAX aircraft, next-generation 737s, and 777 Freighters.
The introduction of the 787-10 will enhance both passenger and cargo capacity while also boosting fuel efficiency on long-haul routes. Key high-demand links from Istanbul to the U.S., Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East stand to benefit most.
Globally, the 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be a versatile workhorse, with more than 1,200 delivered and over half a million passengers flown daily. Its widespread use underscores the type’s reputation as a backbone of modern long-haul operations. With this expansion, Turkish Airlines reaffirms its ambition to remain a leading force in international aviation, while also strengthening its strategic and commercial ties with the United States.
