ISTANBUL – Turkish Airlines (THYAO.IS) will meet with Boeing and engine supplier CFM International in the coming weeks to finalize a planned deal for a major 737 MAX jet order, Chairman Ahmet Bolat said Wednesday.

In September, the airline signaled its intention to purchase 75 Boeing 787 aircraft and 150 737 MAX jets, contingent on engine supply agreements. Bolat noted that if negotiations with CFM, the sole engine supplier for the 737 MAX, fail to progress, Turkish Airlines could switch the order to rival Airbus.

“We’ll probably have Boeing and the engine manufacturer sitting down together in a few weeks. We’ll ask, ‘Are you in or out?’ If not, we’ll turn another page,” Bolat said. Discussions also include a potential investment to establish an engine maintenance center in Turkey.

CFM International, co-owned by GE Aerospace and Safran, competes with Pratt & Whitney, which supplies engines for Airbus A320neo aircraft. Airlines worldwide have faced engine shortages and maintenance delays, driving up costs and fueling tensions with suppliers, including for Turkish Airlines’ existing Airbus fleet.

Separately, Turkish Airlines’ minority stake acquisition in Spain’s Air Europa is nearing completion. The carrier is exploring further growth opportunities across Asia, North and South America, potentially through joint ventures or share acquisitions. Earlier this year, Turkish Airlines committed €300 million in convertible debt for a 25–27% stake in Air Europa, outpacing European rivals Lufthansa and Air France-KLM.