Turkish Airlines, Boeing to unite in expanding aircraft component manufacturing

In a strategic collaboration aimed at fortifying the domestic aerospace industry, Turkish Airlines and Boeing are joining forces to expand aircraft component manufacturing, marking a significant milestone in Türkiye’s aviation ambitions.

Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of Turkish Airlines, revealed in an interview that discussions are underway with Boeing Co. for a substantial aircraft order, potentially involving the domestic production of jet components. Bolat highlighted the carrier’s existing venture in producing seats for select Boeing and Airbus SE aircraft and expressed intentions to broaden supply to other carriers.

At the annual general meeting of the IATA industry lobby group in Dubai, Bolat emphasized the symbiotic nature of the partnership, stating, “It’s really for the benefit of everybody.” He underscored the potential for Boeing to leverage Türkiye’s manufacturing capacity, thereby establishing a reliable source of supply.

Türkiye has emerged as a formidable force in civil aviation, consistently placing significant orders with Boeing and Airbus to expand its extensive destination network, among the world’s most extensive. This collaborative endeavor holds promise for easing bottlenecks in aircraft procurement, a challenge faced by numerous carriers amidst heightened production rates.

Turkish Airlines’ foray into aircraft component manufacturing signifies a strategic diversification of its operations. Bolat noted that the airline’s in-house manufacturing project initiated nearly a decade ago, has matured to produce business-class seats, addressing a gap in market options.

The partnership with Boeing represents a broader trend of Türkiye’s involvement in the aerospace industry. Türkiye already plays a significant role in aviation part manufacturing, including engines for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Moreover, a recent major order placed by Turkish Airlines with Airbus underscores a commitment to fostering the domestic aviation and service industry, ensuring the timely delivery of aircraft.

However, challenges persist, as Bolat revealed that delivery dates for some of the carrier’s aircraft have been subject to delays of up to six months, impacting operational planning and customer service.

The collaboration between Turkish Airlines and Boeing heralds a new era of cooperation in aerospace manufacturing, promising to bolster domestic capabilities and contribute to the global aerospace industry’s evolution. With Türkiye’s burgeoning presence in civil aviation, such initiatives hold promise for sustained growth and innovation within the sector.