Boeing and Turkish Airlines have announced an order for five 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes, valued at $1.6 billion at list prices. The Turkish flag-carrier has exercised options on five 777-300ERs that were first announced in December 2012 as part of a previous firm order for 15 777-300ERs. Turkish Airlines now has 20 777-300ERs currently on order from Boeing.

“While having been cited as the ‘Best Airline in Europe’* for the past three years and ranking among the world’s largest airline companies with its global network, Turkish Airlines has reinforced its position and energy with significant investments and growth figures as it continues to expand,” said Ph.D. Temel Kotil, chief executive officer, Turkish Airlines. “We believe that the purchase of these new aircraft — an important step in meeting the need to expand our fleet — will further develop our existing relationship with Boeing.”

Turkish Airlines’ fleet currently includes 12 777-300ERs, the first of which Boeing delivered in October 2010. In that time, the 777-300ER has played a significant role in Turkish Airlines’ incredible long-haul growth.

“In recent years, Turkish Airlines has experienced the exceptional performance of the 777-300ER first-hand, with its unsurpassed economics, reliability and passenger comfort,” said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “It is a testament to this outstanding airplane, that one of the world’s leading carriers, Turkish Airlines, has once again selected the 777-300ER to form the core of its long-haul fleet.”

Boeing press release