2023-11-13 17:33:00
Lacking orders in the face of the Boeing surge on the first day of the Dubai Airshow, Airbus indicated that a holding “ reached an agreement in principle for a major order for commercial aircraft » with Turkish Airlines. The manufacturer added that both parties were “ in the process of ratifying this agreement and (that they) would communicate in the coming days ».
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The statement comes after Turkish Airlines officials, including Chief Financial Officer Murat Şeker, posted a message earlier today on an investor relations platform. They thus indicated that they had “ engaged in discussions with aircraft and engine manufacturers as part of the growth objectives set in the strategic plan covering the period 2023-2033 ».
And above all they confirmed that “ in this context, discussions are underway with Airbus for the purchase of 355 aircraft – 240 firm and 115 optional – to be delivered between 2026 and 2036 “. They specify that a communication will be made “ after approval of the board of directors ».
An order announced for a long time
This figure corroborates those revealed by the state news agency Anadolu. The latter indicated last Saturday that the Turkish company had confirmed the holding of a meeting with Airbus for what could be the largest order in its history. Discussions focused on the purchase of 75 long-haul A350-900 aircraft and 15 A350-1000 aircraft, five A350F freighters, as well as 250 medium-haul A321 NEO aircraft, in addition to 10 A350-900s, according to conditions already defined. Which makes a total of 355 planes. There is, however, no indication of the breakdown between firm orders and options.
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The two parties have increased contacts in recent days, without reaching a final agreement. Guillaume Faury, executive chairman of Airbus, visited Turkey before coming to Dubai for the air show. And Bilal Ekşi, General Director of Turkish Airlines, also came to the Airbus chalet today.
This order from Turkish Airlines has been announced for many months, and for the moment goes from postponement to postponement. Last June, Ahmet Bolat, chairman of the board of directors and executive committee of the Turkish carrier, confirmed the existence of talks with Airbus and Boeing for the purchase of 400 single-aisle 737 MAX and A320neo aircraft, as well as than 200 large aircraft.
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