Turkish Airlines and engine maker CFM International have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a long-term services agreement covering more than 600 LEAP-1B engines, Turkish Airlines said in a press release dated October 16.

The agreement covers the airline’s entire LEAP-1B engine fleet, including previously ordered and delivered engines, spares, and engines linked to leased aircraft and potential options, the release said. Together, these are more than 600 engines operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary, AJet.

The MoU also includes a material services agreement to support setting up an engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Türkiye, according to the release. It was signed at a ceremony in Istanbul by Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines; Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic; and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, one of CFM’s two parent companies.

Şeker said the deal “will support our growing fleet, network, and operational efficiency”. He said the airline is pleased to strengthen its partnership with CFM through a comprehensive set of services and to develop its LEAP MRO capabilities with a long-standing partner.

Akbulut said Turkish Technic will be able to provide comprehensive maintenance for the LEAP engine under the agreement. He said the company will continue to invest in engine maintenance, as well as aircraft and component maintenance, in line with its strategy.

Andriès called the MoU “a new milestone” in a relationship with Turkish Airlines of nearly four decades. He said it shows a commitment to an open MRO ecosystem that gives airlines flexibility and competitive services.

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, the other CFM parent company, said Turkish Airlines’ trust in CFM for reliable and efficient engines is “a responsibility we take seriously”. He said it supports growth of the airline’s Istanbul network and its engine MRO capabilities.

Turkish Airlines currently operates 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft with CFM56-7B engines and 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by LEAP-1B engines, the release said. CFM said it has delivered more than 10,000 LEAP engines in the 10 years since the type entered service, with more than 100 million flight hours. It is also upgrading the LEAP fleet with a high-pressure turbine durability kit and a reverse bleed system.

The release said the agreement represents a significant step in integrating the airline’s newly ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into its fleet.