Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has finalised its firm order worth $4.7bn with Boeing for 15 twin-engine 777-300ER airplanes, making it the airline’s largest order by value.

The agreement, which was initially announced in October, also has an option for another five 777-300ERs.

Turkish Airlines presently has 12 777-300ERs in its fleet, with the first of this model delivered by Boeing in October 2010.

The Turkish flag carrier plans to operate the new jetliners on new routes across the world as part of its expansion plan.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes European Sales vice president Todd Nelp said that the latest order from Turkish Airlines is testament to the key role the 777 has played in the carrier’s long-haul route expansion.

"In recent years, Turkish Airlines has been incredibly successful in providing its passengers with outstanding service to a growing range of international destinations.

"The exceptional performance of the 777-300ER, with its excellent fuel economics, reliability and passenger comfort, has been a cornerstone for Turkish Airlines’ continued growth," Nelp added.

The carrier expects to receive the first three aircraft in 2014, seven in 2015 and five in 2016, and plans to purchase an additional five in 2017.

Powered by GE90-115B turbofan, the aircraft has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles and can accommodate 386 passengers in a three-class layout.

Turkish Airlines are purchasing the B-market version of the 777-300 with raked and extended wingtips, revised main landing gear, reinforced nose gear, and extra fuel tanks.

Turkish Airlines, which operates flights to over 200 destinations in 90 countries across the globe, has around 100 Boeing airplanes in its fleet.


Image: The Turkish flag carrier plans to operate the 15 777-300ER airplanes on new routes across the world as part of its expansion plan. Photo: Boeing.