Boeing [NYSE: BA] and SunExpress, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, recently announced that the airline has chosen the 737 MAX to support its future growth. As part of their commitment to expanding their operations, the leading leisure carrier in Turkey intends to acquire up to 90 fuel-efficient single-aisle Boeing aircraft. This agreement, announced at the Dubai Airshow, will effectively enable SunExpress to double its fleet over the next decade. The deal includes 28 737-8 and 17 737-10 models, with a potential for an additional 45 737 MAX airplanes.
This new commitment from SunExpress builds on the airline’s previous order for 42 737-8s, of which nine have been delivered.
“SunExpress’s continued commitment to the 737 MAX reflects its confidence in the airplane’s capability to meet demand from travelers to popular destinations across Türkiye and beyond,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737 MAX is a proven airplane on the SunExpress network, delivering unmatched fuel efficiency and reliability.”
The 737 MAX Suits SunExpress Operations
The 737 MAX is a versatile aircraft suitable for short- and medium-haul flights. It has a seating capacity from 162 to 200 passengers, depending on the configuration. The 737-8 offers a range of up to 6,480 km (3,500 nautical miles). The 737-10, the largest model in the 737 MAX family, can fly up to 5,740 km (3,100 nautical miles). By replacing older planes, the 737 MAX family reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 20%.
SunExpress specializes in direct connections between Europe, Türkiye, and popular holiday destinations. It is expanding its Boeing 737 fleet in support of its remarkable growth. In 2022, the airline carried nearly 11 million passengers across 175 routes spanning 30 countries.
“Building on the resounding success of our strategy in the post-pandemic period, SunExpress is now poised for next-level growth to meet market demand and achieve a greater international footprint,” said Max Kownatzki, SunExpress CEO. “Over the next decade, we will more than double our fleet, reaching a 150-aircraft fleet by 2033. Also, the addition of the 737-10, the newest 737 MAX plane with up to 230 seats, to our fleet will allow us to strengthen our capacity further. SunExpress is well-positioned for the future and will expand its network with a more fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable aircraft fleet while continuing to fulfill its role as Türkiye’s tourism ambassador.”
About SunExpress
Established in 1989, SunExpress is a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. With 30 years of experience and expertise in leisure aviation, SunExpress serves as a tourism ambassador between Türkiye and Europe. The airline operates over 175 routes to 30 countries and annually transports more than 10 million passengers. SunExpress is headquartered in Antalya and Frankfurt, with additional bases in Izmir and Ankara. The company employs over 3500 professionals and boasts a fleet of 66 aircraft.
For detailed information about SunExpress, visit www.SunExpress.com.