Since its launch in 1933, Turkish Airlines has steadily expanded into one of the world’s largest international carriers. The airline now holds a Guinness World Record for flying to more countries than any other, serving 131 nations across more than 350 destinations. Alongside its network growth, the carrier has also been rapidly expanding its fleet.

According to ch-aviation data, Turkish Airlines currently operates 449 aircraft and expects to cross the 500-aircraft milestone by the end of 2025. Looking further ahead, the carrier is targeting a fleet of 800 aircraft by 2033, when it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Simple Flying’s Tom Boon recently spoke exclusively with Chairman of the Board Prof. Ahmet Bolat, who explained what is driving this expansion and how the airline plans to achieve it.

Turkish Airlines Expects To Reach 500 Aircraft By Year-End

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The airline has seen rapid expansion over the past two decades. It took delivery of its 100th aircraft in 2006 and doubled the figure just six years later. By 2016, the fleet had grown to 300 aircraft, and in 2023, it surpassed the 400 mark. Now, Turkish Airlines expects to reach 500 aircraft by the end of this year.

Bolat explained that this growth is driven by “strong demand dynamics across our network, the strategic advantages of Istanbul as a global hub, the expansion of new routes, the rising contribution of cargo operations, and the complementary role of our low-cost carrier AJet.” The airline holds a global market share of around 2.3%, smaller than United’s 4.3%, but it has grown faster than any other carrier over the past decade.

Cirium data shows that it is scheduled to operate more than 378,000 flights this year, averaging over 1,000 per day. Additionally, AJet, the airline’s dedicated low-cost subsidiary, further extends Turkish Airlines’ reach into price-sensitive markets. Bolat added:

“This two-brand model allows Turkish Airlines to sustain its premium positioning in global markets while capturing growth in short-haul and domestic demand. Taken together, these factors make the expansion to more than 500 aircraft by the end of 2025 both strategically compelling and operationally sound.”

Turkish Airlines In Talks With Manufacturers Over Mega Order

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Turkish Airlines’ current fleet numbers 449 commercial and cargo aircraft, a mix of Airbus and Boeing widebodies and narrowbodies. These include Airbus CEO and NEO family jets, A330s, A350-900s, Boeing 737-800s, MAX 8s, 737-900ERs, 777-300ERs, and 787-9 Dreamliners. The airline also has more than 300 aircraft on order, covering types such as the A321neo, A350, and 737 MAX 8.

According to Planespotters.net, it has taken delivery of eight new aircraft so far this year and added six more on lease. For quite some time, Turkish has been signaling one of the largest aircraft orders in its history. At this year’s IATA AGM in New Delhi, Bolat told Aviation Week, “Soon we [will] know if we continue with Boeing or with Airbus. We are very close. There is a gap for the current deal…When Turkish Airlines first said we want to order 600 aircraft, all the Gulf airlines were shocked.”

Reports suggest the Star Alliance member is currently evaluating an order of around 225 aircraft, split between roughly 75 widebodies and 150 narrowbodies. The carrier finalized an earlier deal with Airbus in December 2023 for 220 aircraft, consisting of 150 A321neos and 70 A350s. It is also weighing a regional aircraft purchase of 20–30 jets, with the Embraer E2 and Airbus A220 under review.

Bolat told Simple Flying, “With Airbus, a portion of our sizeable order has been completed. We are also continuing our negotiations with Boeing and engine companies to expand our follow-up orders. When we reach an agreement, while also complementing our fleet via leasing agreements, we believe we will be able to reach our target of 800 aircraft by 2033.”

Strategic Acquisitions Strengthen Turkish Airlines’ Global Reach

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Furthermore, Turkish Airlines is exploring acquisitions as part of its plan to reach its 2033 goal, focusing on deals that strengthen connectivity in Europe, Latin America, and Asia and add strategic value to its network. In fact, most recently, the carrier acquired a minority stake in Spanish airline Air Europa for $349 million (€300 million).

Executives said during the latest earnings call that Air Europa’s network was the key driver of the investment, which offers Turkish Airlines a faster path into Latin America under its 2033 growth plan. At the time, Bolat said, “The Air Europa move is a good opportunity for us…It will be a profitable investment, and we expect a good return.”

IATA Code

TK

ICAO Code

THY

Year Founded

1933

Besides, the airline holds a 49% stake in Air Albania, part of a wider push into the Balkans. It also maintains codeshare agreements with major global carriers such as Air China, Thai Airways, Air Algérie, Air Serbia, and Vietnam Airlines, which further broadens its network reach.