AJet is making a strategic adjustment to its fleet plans due to delays in the delivery of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. To meet its operational goals, the company is focusing on leasing Airbus A320 family aircraft. In this context, AJet is actively negotiating with international leasing companies to lease up to 36 planes.
Delays at Boeing and a New Strategy
Initially, AJet planned to add 36 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its fleet by 2025. However, production issues at Boeing have forced the airline to rethink its fleet expansion strategy, potentially affecting its long-term goal of growing its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2035.
Under its new strategy, AJet has outlined the following steps:
- Short-Term Solutions: Filling the gap left by Boeing delays by focusing on Airbus A320 family jets.
- Long-Term Plans: Exploring both leasing and purchasing options to expand its narrow-body fleet.
Operational and Growth Goals
Set to launch operations in March 2024, AJet aims to position itself as an effective low-cost carrier in both Turkish and international markets. Its key objectives include:
- Capacity Expansion: Increasing available seat kilometers (ASK) by 13% by 2025.
- Passenger Target: Carrying 23 million passengers by the end of 2025.
- Route Expansion: Expanding the number of international destinations from 54 to 104.
Operating primarily out of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), AJet plans to further strengthen its presence in the European, Middle Eastern, and Asian markets.
Challenges in the Leasing Market
The growing demand for narrow-body jets has intensified competition in the global leasing market.
- Rising Leasing Costs: Aircraft availability is decreasing, driving up costs.
- Limited Availability: There are challenges in finding sufficient planes for short-term solutions.
Statements from Turkish Airlines and AJet Executives
Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi highlighted AJet’s importance within the group’s strategy, stating:
“AJet is the cornerstone of our expansion in the low-cost market. While Boeing delays present a challenge, we are committed to securing the capacity the company needs.”
AJet CEO Kerem Sarp added:
“We are actively negotiating with leasing companies to achieve our 2025 targets and evaluating alternative solutions with Airbus aircraft.”
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