SEATTLE, March 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Turkish Airlines have finalized an order for 20 Next-Generation 737 airplanes. The order includes 10 737-800s and 10 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes. The 737-900ER will be the latest 737 family member to join the Turkish Airlines fleet. The order is valued at $1.6 billion at current list prices. Turkish Airlines currently operates a fleet of 66 Boeing airplanes, including 58 Next-Generation 737s. The order was posted previously to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries Web site as an unidentified customer.

The 737-900ER is the newest member of the 737 family, combining aerodynamic and other design changes to provide more room for up to 215 passengers while retaining the high performance that gives the Next-Generation 737 family world-class flexibility and efficiency.

“The 737-800 is the backbone of the Turkish Airlines fleet and proves its value on a daily basis offering unmatched levels of efficiency and reliability,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737-900ER will fit seamlessly into Turkish Airlines’ operations, sharing the same pilots, systems and nearly 100 percent spares commonality with the airlines’ current Next-Generation 737 fleet. We are also very proud to provide Turkish Airlines’ new 737s with the Boeing Sky Interior, which will be a perfect complement to the carrier’s high levels of service and passenger comfort.”

All of the new Turkish Airlines’ Next-Generation 737 airplanes will be fitted with the latest 737 Boeing Sky Interior. Based on the cabin design of the 787 Dreamliner, the all-new Sky Interior features soft blue overhead lighting, contemporary sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that draw passengers’ eyes to the airplane’s windows, giving passengers a greater connection to the flying experience. The new design offers larger, pivoting overhead stowage bins that add to the openness of the cabin. The bins give more passengers room to store carry-on luggage near their own seats, adding both extra convenience and extra legroom.

Based in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines is one of the fastest growing and prosperous airlines in the world. It carries approximately 25 million passengers a year, with direct flights to 120 international and 37 domestic destinations. The airline was founded in 1933 with a fleet of five airplanes that carried a total of 28 passengers. The airline made its first domestic flight in 1933 and the first international flight in 1947.

Source: Boeing
Picture: Rob Vogelaar ZAP16 Group