Turkish Airlines Signs for 300+ LEAP Engines and Plans New Engine Overhaul Shop

October 17, 2026 — Turkish Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with engine maker CFM International for more than 300 LEAP-1B engines for its next wave of Boeing 737 MAX jets, and its maintenance arm, Turkish Technic, plans a new LEAP engine overhaul shop in Türkiye.

What happened

The deal, made public on October 16, was signed in Istanbul by Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Murat Şeker, Turkish Technic CEO Mikail Akbulut and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, which co-owns CFM with GE Aerospace. It is a memorandum of understanding, so firm contract terms and value have not been published (TBA).

Part of the deal	What it covers
Engine purchase	More than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spares, for 100 firm and 50 option 737 MAX aircraft announced on September 23
Long-term services agreement	The whole LEAP-1B fleet: engines already ordered and delivered, spares, engines on leased aircraft and possible future options — more than 600 engines across Turkish Airlines and AJet
Material services agreement	Support for Turkish Technic to set up a new LEAP engine maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Türkiye (location, size and opening date TBA)

The fleet today

Turkish Airlines and AJet currently fly 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft with CFM56-7B engines and 79 737 MAX aircraft with LEAP-1B engines.

Şeker said the step with CFM “will support our growing fleet, network, and operational efficiency.” Akbulut said the agreement will let Turkish Technic offer full maintenance for the LEAP engine.

What it means for travelers

No immediate change to your trips. These engines are for future 737 MAX deliveries, and no delivery dates were given, so schedules are unaffected for now.
A bigger narrowbody fleet means more seats over time. Up to 150 more 737 MAX jets for Turkish Airlines and AJet should add seats to the network over time.