Türkiye’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines (TK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CFM International on Oct. 16, 2026. The agreement was signed in presence of Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board of Turkish Airlines, Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, one of the parent company of CFM International and Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic.
Details about the agreement
Turkish Airlines concluded an order of 100 Boeing 737 MAX 8 with options for another 50 in September 2026. Under the MoU, CFM would provide more than 300 LEAP-1B engines.
A long-term services agreement is also part of the deal. It covers the airline’s entire LEAP-1B fleet, including engines already ordered and delivered, spares, engines on leased aircraft and potential options. Together, these account for more than 600 LEAP-1B engines operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AJet (VF).
MRO services agreed under the MoU
The MoU includes a material services agreement to support the establishment of an engine MRO facility in Türkiye. Turkish Technic, the airline’s maintenance arm, will use it to expand its engine maintenance services.
Turkish Technic CEO, Mikail Akbulut said:
“With this agreement, we will be able to provide comprehensive maintenance operations for the LEAP engine. As Turkish Technic, we will continue to invest in engine maintenance services as well as our aircraft and component maintenance capabilities in line with our strategy.”
“This new step with CFM will support our growing fleet, network, and operational efficiency,” Şeker said. “We are also pleased to strengthen our partnership with CFM through a comprehensive set of services, providing the expertise, reliability, and long-term support needed to develop our LEAP MRO capabilities alongside a long-standing partner.”
Andriès described Turkish Airlines as a partner of nearly four decades. “The MoU demonstrates our commitment to an open MRO ecosystem, which provides airlines with flexibility and competitive services to improve operational performance and manage costs effectively,” he said.
According to ch-aviation data, 43 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are already in the fleet, with more on the way. The type is used mainly on short and medium haul routes. The same data lists 109 737-8s still to be delivered, alongside 197 A321-200NXs. The LEAP-1B engines on those aircraft are the ones the new facility is meant to service. The MoU does not state when it will open.
With engine maintenance for its LEAP fleet set to move closer to home, how much of Turkish Airlines’ engine work do you expect Turkish Technic to take on in-house?
