DALLAS — Today, Boeing and Pegasus Airlines (PC) announced that Türkiye's leading low-cost carrier (LCC) will grow and modernize its single-aisle fleet with an order for up to 200 737 MAX airplanes. 

The airline's purchase includes a firm order for 100 737-10 jets – plus options for 100 more.

The largest model in the 737 MAX family, the 737-10, can carry 230 passengers and boasts a range of up to 5,740 km (3,100 nautical miles). According to Boeing, the type also reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces. 

The American manufacturer recalls that the LCC launched operations with the Boeing 737 Classic nearly 35 years ago. The goal of the 737-10 is to complement PC's Next-Generation 737 fleet “by providing operational commonality and flexibility to meet growing travel demand.”

However, while the Boeing 737-10 is expected to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in mid-2025, the agency will ultimately decide the timeline. Initially, Boeing aimed to certify the MAX 10 this year.

Then, in January 2024, Boeing announced a delay due to the need to redesign the jet components, pushing the timeline into next year.

Boeing 737-10 Certification Delays

The type’s certification has been delayed due to several factors, including:

• Engine anti-ice system: Boeing has made progress in addressing an overheating issue with the engine anti-ice system. However, the company has also redesigned the system, which has pushed back the certification timeline.
• FAA scrutiny: The FAA has increased its scrutiny of Boeing's certification processes following criticism of handling the MAX 8 and 9 certifications.
• Cockpit alerting requirements: All Boeing aircraft certified after January 1, 2023, must comply with a new law on cockpit alerting requirements. This means Boeing needs to modify the -10's cockpit.

Setting apart its pending certification, the type’s efficiency and flexibility will enable PC to serve more passengers on more routes with the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane.

Delta Air Lines (DL) is expected to receive its first 737-10 in 2026. PC’s purchase will bring the total orders of the 737 MAX variant to more than 1,200 jets.

Comments from Pegasus Airlines, Boeing Officials

"Boeing aircraft have been an integral part of our operations since Pegasus entered the aviation industry in 1990," said Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines. 

"We are pleased to be expanding our fleet with the new Boeing 737-10 model aircraft. We continue to invest in our fleet in line with our growth targets in Türkiye and globally, and to expand our network by launching new routes."

Ozturk added: "Within the scope of our agreement with Boeing, we have ordered a total of 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft. The first 100 aircraft are firm orders and we will be evaluating converting the remaining 100 aircraft options into firm orders in the coming years, based on market conditions and the needs of our fleet."

"We have been a proud partner ofPC since their inception and we are excited to welcome them as the newest 737 MAX customer," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. 

"We appreciate their trust in the Boeing team and we look forward to delivering on the 737-10 and its promise of greater efficiency, versatility and reliability."

According to Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook, “European and Central Asian operators will take delivery of nearly 7,900 single-aisle airplanes over the next 20 years.”

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