Turkish Airlines Expanding Fleet with 220 Airbus Aircraft

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, is set to bolster its aircraft fleet with an impressive order of 220 Airbus aircraft. This significant acquisition includes 150 units of Airbus’ highly popular A321 models and 70 of the world’s most advanced and fuel-efficient A350 widebody aircraft. Among the A350s, there are 50 A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s, and 5 A350F freighters. Notably, this comes on the heels of two earlier orders placed by the airline in September for 10 A350-900s and in July for four A350-900s, bringing their total order count for Airbus aircraft to an impressive 504, with 212 of these already being delivered.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for this significant order, stating, “This landmark order signifies more than just expansion; it’s a testament to our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and a sustainable future. The addition of these advanced Airbus aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also make a substantial contribution to our environmental objectives. This investment marks a pivotal milestone in the advancement of Turkey’s aviation industry. By modernizing our fleet with more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, we are reinforcing our leading position in global aviation and contributing to our nation’s prominence as an aviation hub.”

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, commented on this order, saying, “This order for the latest generation aircraft reflects the bold vision of Turkish Airlines. The A350-900, A350-1000, A350F, and A321 will all serve as flagship aircraft in their respective categories, driving efficiency and shaping the airline’s future for sustainable expansion. These aircraft offer increased range, reduced fuel consumption, lower noise levels, and emissions, along with top-of-the-line cabin features. This underscores the cross-model value of the A350 family and reinforces our enduring partnership with Turkish Airlines and Turkey’s aviation sector. We are proud to support Turkey’s global connectivity with our state-of-the-art aircraft.”

The A321neo, the largest aircraft in Airbus’ A320neo Family, boasts exceptional range and performance. Equipped with next-generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo delivers a remarkable 50% reduction in noise, over 20% fuel savings, and reduced CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation single-aisle aircraft. Its spacious single-aisle cabin provides passengers with exceptional comfort. To date, over 5,600 A321neos have been ordered by more than 100 customers worldwide.

The A350 stands out as the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft, excelling in the 300-410 seater category. It operates efficiently on routes spanning short-haul to ultra-long-haul distances of up to 9,700 nautical miles. The aircraft’s clean sheet design incorporates state-of-the-art technologies, aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and next-generation engines, resulting in a 25% advantage in fuel efficiency, reduced operating costs, and lower CO₂ emissions, along with a 50% reduction in noise compared to its predecessor. The A350 Family offers two versions: the A350-900 and the longer fuselage A350-1000, both providing an unparalleled passenger experience, even on extended flights. As of November 2023, the A350 Family has garnered 1,072 orders from 57 prominent customers worldwide.

The A350F, with its sizeable main deck cargo door and optimized fuselage length for cargo operations, stands out. Over 70% of the airframe is constructed from advanced materials, combined with efficient Rolls-Royce engines, resulting in at least a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to its closest competitor.

With this latest commitment from Turkish Airlines, the A350F order book now totals 50 orders from nine different customers, following its introduction at the Dubai Airshow two years ago.

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