Istanbul Airlines and SunExpress Airlines have become the latest Turkish carriers to make major commitments to the Boeing Next Generation 737 family, with plans to acquire a total of 26 aircraft between them.
A firm order for 12 737-800s has been placed by Istanbul Airlines, with options on a further six, for delivery between June 2001 and mid-2005. In addition, the carrier has agreed to lease three 737-800s from General Electric Capital Aviation Services for seven years. These aircraft will be put into service in April, May and June to replace three 757-200s recently returned to lessors.
Privately owned Istanbul Airlines' fleet comprises three 737-300s and 10 -400s, but the airline says that it has no immediate plans to phase out these aircraft as the -800s are handed over. Its charter network serves 12 Turkish airports from European cities, while scheduled services are offered domestically and from Turkey to London, Warsaw and all major airports in Germany.
SunExpress Airlines, a joint venture between THY Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa charter subsidiary Condor, will replace its three 737-300s and two -400s with five 737-800s during 2000. The aircraft are being leased from International Lease Finance.
Turkey has proved to be a major market for the new 737 models, with flag carrier THY having orders and options for some 49 737-800s, while charter airline Pegasus has just taken delivery of a single 737-800 (above).
THY has received six of its 26 firmly ordered 737-800s, but is considering swapping some of its 23 -800 options to smaller -600s, to replace its British Aerospace Avro RJs on regional routes.
Source: Flight International
