Turkish Airlines has finalized a major order with Boeing for 100 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, along with the option to purchase an additional 50 aircraft from the 737 MAX family. The deal, announced on September 23, 2026, and signed in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, marks the largest single-aisle aircraft order ever placed by Turkish Airlines with Boeing. The agreement supports the airline's strategy of fleet renewal and expansion, focusing on its hub in Istanbul, which serves as a key connection point between Europe, Asia, and beyond. The contract specifically includes 100 737 MAX 8 aircraft, but Turkish Airlines has the right to convert some of these to the larger 737 MAX 10 model. The 737 MAX 10 can carry more passengers but has a slightly shorter range, allowing the airline to adjust its fleet based on route demands and operational needs. The 737 MAX 8 can seat between 160 and 180 passengers in a two-class layout and has a range of up to 6,480 kilometers, making it well-suited for many of Turkish Airlines' domestic and regional routes. The 737 MAX 10 can seat between 185 and 210 passengers but has a range of up to 5,740 kilometers. Murat Şeker, chairman of the board of directors and executive committee of Turkish Airlines, described the deal as a pivotal step in the airline’s growth strategy. "This agreement marks a new important stage in the continuous expansion of our fleet," he said. "The new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will bring more efficiency and flexibility to our operations, supporting the extensive network we serve from our Istanbul hub." The order also supports the growth of Turkish Airlines' subsidiary, AJet, and adds to the airline’s existing fleet of more than 200 Boeing aircraft, including various models like the 737 MAX, 777, 787 Dreamliner, and 777 freighters. Turkish Airlines currently operates a fleet of 567 passenger and cargo aircraft, serving 358 destinations across 133 countries. The airline's extensive network, centered on Istanbul, includes 305 international routes and 53 domestic routes, connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Stephanie Pope, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, emphasized that the order reflects "the confidence and shared vision that have defined our long-term partnership with Turkish Airlines." She added that Boeing would continue to support the airline’s growth, particularly in connecting more people and destinations globally. This latest agreement follows a major contract from September 2025, in which Turkish Airlines ordered up to 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The order included 35 787-9 and 15 787-10 aircraft, with options for 25 more. Combined with the 737 MAX order, these aircraft are expected to double the number of Boeing planes in Turkish Airlines' fleet. The 787 Dreamliners are designed for long-haul routes, targeting high-demand destinations such as the United States, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, while the 737 MAX aircraft will support shorter and medium-haul operations. Boeing also highlighted its continued investment in Turkey’s aerospace industry, including a $2 billion investment in the local supply chain and the creation of nearly 5,000 jobs.