SunExpress Announces Huge 737 MAX Order

SunExpress has taken the mantle as the first-order announcement of the 2023 Dubai Airshow with Boeing.

Breaking Down The Deal

Labelled as the most significant expansion in the history of SunExpress, the airline has recommitted to the 737 MAX series for future growth.

A total of up to 90 aircraft from the 737 MAX family are included in the deal with Boeing.

As part of the deal, 45 represent firm orders with 45 options. This leaves up to 90 aircraft depending on SunExpress’ future growth strategies.

This is a significant order to start the show for the Turkish-based carrier and Boeing’s incredibly popular narrowbody.

The deal includes orders for the largest member of the 737 MAX family, the 737-10, with SunExpress planning for a high-density configuration of over 200 seats.

Additionally, the airline is planning a top-up of its 737-8, with 28 of the 45 firm orders for this middle ground variant.

All 45 options included in the deal are also for the 737-8, which has thus far worked within the day-to-day operations.

Comments From Executives

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. 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.

Max Kownatzki, SunExpress CEO

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. The 737 MAX is a proven airplane on the SunExpress network, delivering unmatched fuel efficiency and reliability

Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The SunExpress Fleet

SunExpress currently has 114 aircraft in-service spread across solely narrowbody aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.

When measured by active units, the carrier’s most significant aircraft type is the 737-800, with 92 in-service.

Hence, a recommitment to the MAX series to enhance future growth makes a lot of sense for the company.

The airline already has 14 737-8s in service with plans to welcome over a couple of dozen more.

Away from Boeing, SunExpress also flies 8 Airbus A320-200s. This represents the only Airbus aircraft in its operation.