Industry Turkish Airlines announces intent to order 40 787-9 Dreamliners

"Our intent to purchase these Dreamliners is to meet the demand for wide-body airplanes at the 3rd Airport, further strengthen our fleet capacity on the 100th anniversary of the Republic and to enhance passenger satisfaction." said M. İlker Aycı, chairman of the board and the executive committee, Turkish Airlines. Turkey plans to open a third additional airport due to lack of capacity at the existing airports of Istanbul. The commercial opening of the is scheduled for 2018. The airport is planned with a 150 million passenger annual capacity as the largest airport in the world.

Boeing and the Turkish government also announced the Boeing Turkey National Aerospace Initiative, which is designed to support the growth of the Turkish aerospace industry, in conjunction with the targets set by Turkey's Vision 2023, and strengthen Boeing's presence in the market. The initiative outlines a strategic framework that aligns Boeing investment and programs with the government, Turkish airlines, aerospace service companies and industry suppliers in the areas of research, engineering and skills development.

Turkish Airlines currently operates a fleet of over 270 Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The carrier will renew its short- and medium haul fleet with 92 ordered Airbus A321neo and 75 Boeing 737 Max in the next years. A decision regarding a possible deal between Boeing and Turkish Airlines about up to eight B747-8 has not yet been made.

Boeing's B787-9 Dreamliner has a capacity of 280 passengers in a typical three-class arrangement over a 14,140 km range. The first aircraft was delivered in 2014.