Turkish Airlines will expand its fleet with an order for 220 Airbus aircraft, made up of 150 Airbus A321s and 70 A350 widebody aircraft (50 A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s and 5 A350F freighters).

Airbus said in a statement that this follows two orders from the airline for 10 A350-900s in September and four A350-900s in July 2023. 

This latest order will take Turkish Airlines' total orderbook for Airbus aircraft to 504, of which 212 are already delivered.

"This landmark order is more than an expansion; it's a testament to our dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and a sustainable future," said Prof. Dr Ahmet Bolat, chairman of the board and the executive committee at Turkish Airlines on the new orders.

He added that the addition of these Airbus aircraft to Turkish Airlines' fleet will not only enhance the carrier's operational capabilities but also significantly contribute to our environmental goals.

"This investment is a crucial milestone in the further evolution of Türkiye's aviation industry," Bolat said. "By modernising our fleet with more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, we are reinforcing our leading position in global aviation and contributing to the nation's prominence as an aviation hub."

Airbus said the A350F order from Turkish Airlines features the largest main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations.

Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, which, together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines, generate an advantage of at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emission over its current closest competitor.