Turkish Airlines Signs Deal for 300+ LEAP-1B Engines

On October 16, 2026, Turkish Airlines and CFM International formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the acquisition of more than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spares. This agreement supports the airline's recent procurement of 100 firm and 50 option Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which were announced in September 2026. The deal underscores a significant expansion in the propulsion supply chain for the carrier as it continues to modernize its fleet.

Fleet-Wide Support and MRO Development

Beyond the engine order, the partnership includes a long-term services agreement covering the entire fleet of more than 600 LEAP-1B engines operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary, AJet. This comprehensive support umbrella retroactively includes previously delivered powerplants, ensuring consistent maintenance standards across the operator's narrowbody fleet.

Furthermore, the collaboration facilitates the establishment of a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Türkiye. By leveraging the scale of the engine order, Turkish Technic, the airline's technical subsidiary, aims to build domestic capability for the LEAP engine platform. This move mirrors the carrier's previous strategy in December 2023, when it paired a massive order for 220 Airbus aircraft with extensive engine maintenance and infrastructure commitments.

Technical Context and Stakeholder Impact

CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, manufactures the Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) engine family. The LEAP-1B variant is the exclusive engine option for the Boeing 737 MAX series. For Turkish Technic, the development of a localized LEAP MRO facility is a high-priority initiative expected to enhance operational efficiency and expand revenue potential in the regional maintenance market.

According to Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, the agreement provides the reliability and long-term support necessary to develop MRO capabilities alongside a long-standing partner. Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic, noted that the deal enables the company to provide comprehensive maintenance operations for the engine platform.

What Comes Next

The establishment of the new LEAP engine MRO facility in Türkiye remains the primary infrastructure milestone for the partnership. While specific timelines for the facility's operational launch are to be determined, the agreement provides the framework for Turkish Technic and CFM International to proceed with technical certification and capacity development. The airline continues to operate 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines alongside its growing fleet of 79 LEAP-1B-powered 737 MAX aircraft.