Turkish Finally Pulls The Trigger - Orders 40 x 787-9

Boeing Photo

After reporting that Turkish Airlines was close if not placing an order for the 787, news from Boeing is that they finally pulled the trigger.

Turkish Airlines signed an LoI (or MoU, take your pick) for 40 x 787-9s.  This order is not finalized but I suspect that it should be by the end of the year.  This order has been subject of many years of speculation and rumor as Boeing went head to head against Airbus and the A350 and A380 for this order.  Boeing was also trying to sell Turkish on the 777X but apparently they wanted the smaller widebody workhorse for their fleet.

Here is the test of Boeing's Press Release on the order:

Boeing, Turkish Industry Establish Aerospace Initiative

Turkish Airlines announces intent to order 40 787-9 Dreamliners

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines today announced the airline's intention to order 40 787-9 Dreamliners. The order will be reflected on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website once finalized.

"The 787 Dreamliner is the most technologically advanced airplane in the world," said M. İlker Aycı, chairman of the board and the executive committee, Turkish Airlines. "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."

"Turkish Airlines is a great partner, and we value their confidence in us and the 787 Dreamliner," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister.

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. 

"Boeing's relationship with Turkey spans more than 70 years and we have outstanding long-term partnerships," said Ray Conner, Boeing vice chairman. "Working together with Turkey, we are now taking our collaboration to the next level, which will accelerate the growth of the Turkish aerospace industry while achieving Boeing's long-term objective to expand its presence in the marketplace."

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. It reflects Boeing's confidence in the long-term outlook for Turkey as a significant market and a leading global industry participant.

Boeing has maintained a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey since the 1940s. Boeing is a provider of commercial jetliners to Turkish airlines and a significant and trusted partner of the Turkish aerospace industry.