A record order for 200 aircraft worth $36 billion has been placed by Pegasus Airlines.
The Turkish low cost carrier described the largest order in its history as being in line with its goal of becoming a leading global player.
The first next-generation Boeing 737-Max10 is due for delivery in 2028 , with the agreement supporting the airline’s growth ambitions as well as an “important step” towards achieving its 2050 sustainability goals.
The deal with Boeing includes a firm order for the first 100 aircraft, with 100 additional purchasing options, which can be converted into firm orders in the future.
The US manufacturer was selected “following extensive evaluations regarding aircraft requirements for 2028 and the following decade”.
The B737-10 is the largest single-aisle aircraft in the 737 Max family with a seat capacity of up to 230 passengers and 20% lower fuel consumption compared to previous-generation aircraft.
Pegasus Airlines chief executive Güliz Öztürk said: “As a leading stakeholder in our country’s tourism sector, which creates net cash inflows and the highest added value for our country, and has shown record-breaking growth after the pandemic; we are working tirelessly to reach new record-highs and do our part for Turkey to achieve the targeted 100 million visitors and $100 billion in revenue in tourism.
“We continue to invest in our fleet in line with our growth targets in Turkey and globally, and to expand our network by launching new routes.
“Currently, with an average age of 4.5 years, we have the youngest fleet in Turkey and rank among the airlines with the youngest fleets in the world.
“Within the scope of our agreement with Boeing, we have ordered a total of 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft. The first 100 aircraft, for which we have placed firm orders, will begin joining our fleet starting in 2028.
“We will evaluate converting the remaining 100 aircraft options into firm orders in the coming years, based on market conditions and the needs of our fleet.”
She added: “Boeing aircraft have been an integral part of our operations since Pegasus entered the aviation industry in 1990. We are pleased to be expanding our fleet with the new Boeing 737-10 model aircraft.
“We are confident that our collaboration will create new opportunities for local manufacturing, technology transfer, research and development, training, and employment in the Turkish aviation industry.
“When considered within the scope of Boeing’s National Aerospace Initiative launched with the Turkish government in 2017, our order will also open new doors and create production and export opportunities both for Turkish manufacturers and for the wider aviation industry.”