Turkish carrier SunExpress has awarded Boeing a $460m contract order for six 737 aircraft.

The order will boost the airline’s fleet of 16 737s and will support its growth in the domestic and international market.

The 737 can carry between 162 and 189 passengers.

Performance improvements to the aircraft, announced earlier in 2009, will reduce drag and cut fuel consumption by 2%.

SunExpress formed in 1989 and is a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa.