SunExpress to buy up to 90 Boeing 737 MAX jets

The agreement includes 45 737-8 and 737-10 models with the opportunity for up to 45 more jets

 Boeing and SunExpress, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, announced today the airline has again selected the 737 MAX to continue its robust growth. With a commitment to purchase up to 90 fuel-efficient single-aisle Boeing jets, announced at the Dubai Airshow, Türkiye's leading leisure carrier will more than double its fleet into the next decade. The agreement includes 28 737- MAX 8 and 17 737- MAX 10 models, with the opportunity for up to 45 additional 737 MAX airplanes.

"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- MAX 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."

This new commitment from SunExpress will build on the airline's previous order for 42 737- MAX 8s, nine of which have been delivered.

"SunExpress's continued commitment to the 737 MAX reflects its confidence in the aeroplane's capability to meet demand from travellers to popular destinations across Türkiye and beyond," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX is a proven aeroplane on the SunExpress network, delivering unmatched fuel efficiency and reliability."

New Antalya to London Gatwick route for SunExpress

The joint venture airline from Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, SunExpress will be starting a new direct route from popular holiday destination Antalya to London Gatwick Airport this spring.

The route commences on 28th March and will initially operate three times each week until the end of May when the service will increase to daily. 

A spokesperson for Garwick Airport said: “Antalya has been an increasingly popular destination in recent years, with an average temperature of more than 20C between May and October.  The addition of SunExpress’ flights is excellent news for passengers looking to book an Easter or summer break, and will also offer passengers across London and the south-east even greater choice when planning holidays.

Despite the turbulent time the aviation industry has suffered this year, slots at Gatwick remain in high demand, so it is positive news to be able to welcome SunExpress to the airport.”

The airline has also recently announced the commencement of a service to Manchester from Antalya is scheduled to take off from 26th March. According to the current plans, the route will be flown twice a week initially and then increasing to four times a week for the peak summer season from 30th May.

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SunExpress to launch direct flights from Manchester Airport to Antalya

SunExpress, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines is launching a direct flight between Manchester Airport and Antalya in Turkey on 26th March 2021. The route will be served twice per week before going up to four a week from 30th May.

“After a year of staying at home, the people of Britain deserve a sunny vacation”, says Peter Glade, CCO of SunExpress. “Our new services to Antalya will serve the British people to arrive at their well-deserved holiday destination, fast, relaxed and for a competitive price, experiencing our unique SunExpress service.”

Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “It’s great to see SunExpress launch services to Antalya from Manchester Airport, the UK’s global gateway in the North. After a difficult year, the route will mean families and households across our vast catchment will have additional access to one of our most popular summer destinations.”

“As ever, the safety of our passengers and staff remains our top priority, with a range of measures in place to provide peace of mind as we continue to connect people across the globe,” Smart added.

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SunExpress Selects GE Aviation for Digital Agreement

SunExpress selected GE Aviation for a comprehensive safety contract including eFOQA Mainline. The program covers the SunExpress fleet including Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 aeroplanes and expands upon a previous agreement to enable advanced analytics with enriched data sets that will ultimately drive greater understanding of flight trends. Implementation is currently underway.

Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines joint venture operation SunExpress has firmed up options for 737 Max 8 aircraft.....

At the Dubai Airshow, Boeing has said the Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines joint venture operation SunExpress is converting its options for 10 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft to firm commitments.

"We have a long-standing, strong and trustful relationship with Boeing and thus we decided to turn our option into an order. We stand behind our strategic decision to phase the 737 MAX into our fleet for all of its economic and ecological advantages, mid- and long-term," says Jens Bischof, CEO of SunExpress. "We have full confidence that Boeing will deliver us a safe, reliable, and efficient aircraft. However, it goes without saying that this requires the undisputed airworthiness of the model, granted by all relevant authorities. Our utmost priority at SunExpress is and has always been safety."

The airline, which specializes in offering direct connections between Europe, Turkey and popular holiday destinations, has achieved significant growth in recent years as it steadily expanded its fleet of mainly Boeing 737 aeroplanes. Last year, SunExpress' passenger count climbed to nearly 10 million across roughly 100 destinations.

Whilst the two parties have agreed on the list price for the deal would be in the region of $1.2 billion, they would not be drawn on the speculation that the aircraft are being sold at below cost price, partly in compensation to the airline and partly for Boeing to find some market traction for the troubled and still grounded jet. Stan Deal, president & CEO of Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes said, "We regret the impact the MAX grounding has had on SunExpress and their passengers. The Boeing team is working hard to safely return the aeroplane to service and providing the capacity for SunExpress to continue serving as the backbone of air travel in the Turkish tourism industry."

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