Boeing illustration of 787-9 Dreamliner airplane in Turkish Airlines livery. Credit: Boeing / PRNewsfoto

Turkish Airlines has finalised an order with Boeing for the purchase of 25 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft for an undisclosed sum.

An option for five additional aircraft is included in the order, which is the result of a partnership announced between the companies in September.

The new aircraft are expected to help Turkish Airlines to further meet the increasing demand at its home airport in Istanbul.

Turkish Airlines board and executive committee chairman İlker Aycı said: “This firm order adds the 787 Dreamliner, one of the world’s most state-of-the-art airplanes, to our ever-expanding fleet in 2023, our republic’s 100th year.

“In January, Turkish Airlines placed an order for the purchase of three twin-engine 777 Freighter aircraft from Boeing.”

“The 787 will significantly raise our passengers’ satisfaction and play an important role in our plans for our new hub, the new Istanbul airport.

“This will accelerate the steady rise of our country’s flag carrier and support the growth of Turkish Civil Aviation.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is designed to accommodate 290 passengers, in a typical two-class configuration, up to a range of 14,140km. More than 640 Dreamliners have entered service since 2011.

In January, Turkish Airlines placed an order for the purchase of three twin-engine 777 Freighter aircraft from Boeing.

The order follows the addition of two large cargo jets into Turkish Airlines’ fleet as part of its strategy to expand its freight business.

Turkish Airlines is estimated to carry more than 60 million passengers annually, with direct flights to 301 destinations in 121 countries. Currently, it operates a total fleet of 328 aircraft.