Turkish Airlines Orders 15 More Boeing 737NGs

Istanbul-based Turkish Airlines has exercised options for 15 Next-Generation Boeing 737s.

The order, comprised of 10 737-800s and five 737-900ERs, has an average list-price value of more than $1.2 billion, according to Boeing.

Boeing has received orders from 14 customers for a total of 305 737-900ERs, the newest member of the 737 family. The higher-capacity, longer-range derivative of the 737-900 was launched in July 2005. The company claims the Boeing 737-900ER offers 6 per cent lower operating costs per trip and 4 per cent lower operating costs per seat mile than competing models, which include the Airbus A321-200 and Boeing’s own 757-200 and 767-200.

Turkish Airlines has orderd 15 more Boeing 737NGs and by the middle of the decade should be operating well over100 737NGs. The carrier will have 737-700s, 737-800s and 737-900ERs in its fleet

The manufacturer will deliver all of Turkish Airlines’ new Next-Generation 737s with the new Boeing Sky Interior. The new interior introduces larger overhead stowage bins with a new pivoting design that provides more open space in the cabin.

Passengers also experience soft blue-sky overhead simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. The new interior also features modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals to draw passengers’ eyes to the view outside the window, as well as cove lighting and curving architecture.

“These new Boeing 737 aircraft will help us to reach even more cities and build a truly global network,” says Dr. Temel Kotil,Turkish Airlines CEO. “We are very eager to have these new aircraft join the Turkish Airlines fleet – increasing efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort.”

Today’s operators fly 737s that are 5 per cent more fuel efficient than the first Next-Generation 737s and additional improvements are on the way. Boeing’s performance improvement package will boost fuel efficiency a further 2 pe rcent through aerodynamic and engine changes. The improvements to the airframe and engine are expected to be in service between mid-2011 and early 2012 and will be incorporated into the 15 aircraft ordered by Turkish Airlines.