SunExpress is to purchase up to 90 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in an order placed at the Dubai Airshow.
The carrier, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, announced a commitment to purchase 28 737-8 and 17 737-10 models, and the opportunity for up to 45 additional 737 MAX jets.
The Turkish leisure carrier plans to more than double its fleet into the next decade.
“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.”
SunExpress fleet
This new commitment from SunExpress will build on the airline’s previous order for 42 737-8s, nine of which 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 offers carriers flexibility for short- and medium-haul air travel, an ideal airplane family for leisure operators such as SunExpress.
The -8 seats 162 to 200 passengers depending on configuration and offers a range of up to 6,480 km (3,500 nautical miles), while the 737-10, the largest 737 MAX model, offers a range of up to 5,740 km (3,100 nautical miles).
The 737 MAX family reduces fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace.
SunExpress, which specialises in offering direct connections between Europe, Turkey and popular holiday destinations, continues to expand its Boeing 737 fleet to support its significant growth.
In 2022, the airline’s passenger count reached nearly 11 million across 175 routes to 30 countries.
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