Turkish Airlines, Turkish Technic and CFM International have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering more than 600 LEAP-1B engines operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AJet, alongside plans to establish an engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Türkiye.
The agreement includes the purchase of more than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spare engines, to power 100 firm and 50 optional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft announced on September 23. The long-term services agreement will cover the airline’s entire LEAP-1B engine fleet, including previously ordered and delivered engines, spares, engines associated with leased aircraft and potential aircraft options.
The MoU was signed in Istanbul by Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines; Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic; and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, one of CFM International’s two parent companies. It also includes a material services agreement to support the development of an engine MRO facility in Türkiye.
Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Murat Şeker said the agreement would support the airline’s fleet and network growth, improve operational efficiency and strengthen its partnership with CFM through long-term services and support for its LEAP maintenance capabilities.
Turkish Technic CEO Mikail Akbulut said the agreement would enable the company to provide comprehensive LEAP engine maintenance services, in line with its strategy to expand its engine, aircraft and component maintenance capabilities.
Safran CEO Olivier Andriès described the MoU as a new milestone in the companies’ relationship, which has lasted nearly four decades. He said the agreement reflects a shared ambition to support Turkish Airlines’ expansion and promote an open MRO ecosystem offering airlines flexibility and competitive services.
H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, said the partnership would build on the companies’ established relationship, supporting Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul network growth and the development of its engine maintenance capabilities.
Expanding Turkish Technic’s Engine Maintenance Capabilities
Turkish Airlines currently operates 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines and 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with LEAP-1B engines. Both figures include the AJet fleet.
Since the LEAP engine entered service 10 years ago, CFM has delivered more than 10,000 engines, which have accumulated over 100 million flight hours. The company continues to introduce upgrades to the LEAP fleet, including a high-pressure turbine durability kit designed to extend time on wing and a reverse bleed system.
The agreement is expected to strengthen Turkish Technic’s engine maintenance capabilities through the establishment of a new facility, enabling the company to provide comprehensive engine MRO services.
CFM International is a 50-50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines and manufactures the LEAP engine family, alongside supporting CFM56 engines in service worldwide.
