Turkish Airlines is venturing into the manufacturing of aircraft components, including seats and engine parts.
This initiative aims to leverage the airline’s substantial order book of planes to stimulate local production capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat revealed in an interview that the company is in discussions with Boeing Co. for a significant aircraft order, which may include the domestic production of jet components.
“It’s really for the benefit of everybody,” Bolat said during the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Dubai.
“The planemaker could utilize Turkey’s potential capacity so that we can provide a reliable source of supply.”
The move is part of a broader strategy by Turkish Airlines to capitalize on its robust growth and extensive destination network, which is already the world’s most prolific.
By producing aircraft components in-house, the airline aims to mitigate the current global shortage of planes, which has forced many carriers to extend the operational life of older models.
Over the past decade, Turkish Airlines has steadily developed its in-house manufacturing capabilities.
The carrier now produces business-class seats for some of its Boeing and Airbus SE jets and is looking to expand its market by selling these components to other airlines.
Bolat pointed out the limited options available for high-quality business-class seats, highlighting the potential for Turkish Airlines to offer competitive alternatives.
“If you want to buy a business class-seat, how many options do you have? Only three or four, and you depend on their ability and their mercy,” he remarked.
The Turkish flag carrier’s ambitions extend beyond seats. Turkey already produces aviation parts, including components for the engines on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Recently, Turkish Airlines solidified a major order with Airbus, confirming the purchase of 230 aircraft.
This agreement also includes a commitment to enhance the domestic aviation and service industry, aiming to ensure timely delivery of jets and expand the local supply chain.
Delivery delays have been a significant issue for airlines globally, with some of Turkish Airlines’ jets experiencing postponements of up to six months. Bolat emphasized the importance of a reliable supply chain to meet operational demands.
“You make your own reservation, you start selling the tickets, and then suddenly you find out that the aircraft is not coming,” he said.
The expansion into aircraft component manufacturing by Turkish Airlines represents a significant step in reducing the country’s reliance on international suppliers and enhancing its domestic aerospace capabilities.
By fostering local production, the airline not only aims to support its own operations but also positions Turkey as a competitive player in the global aviation industry.
