en.Wedoany.com Reported - AJet, a wholly owned subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, has signed an agreement with BOC Aviation to lease five Airbus A321neo aircraft to accelerate fleet modernization and route network expansion.
BOC Aviation announced the agreement on July 9, 2026. The aircraft, sourced from BOC Aviation's existing Airbus order book, consist of five Airbus A321neos equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines, scheduled for delivery in 2028.
This transaction marks the first direct leasing cooperation between BOC Aviation and AJet, while also strengthening BOC Aviation's overall relationship with the Turkish Airlines Group. Paul Kent, Chief Commercial Officer of BOC Aviation, expressed pleasure in extending the long-term partnership with the Turkish Airlines Group by adding AJet as a client. Kerem Sarp, CEO of AJet, stated that introducing more A321neo aircraft will be a significant milestone in the airline's development strategy, contributing to fleet modernization, route network expansion, improved operational efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and the advancement of sustainability goals.
The Airbus A321neo is one of the most successful single-aisle aircraft currently available, capable of accommodating over 220 passengers in various configurations with a range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 kilometers). Compared to previous-generation narrowbody aircraft, it can reduce fuel consumption by up to about 20%, while also lowering carbon dioxide emissions and external noise levels. The Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines fitted to these aircraft will further improve fuel efficiency and operating costs. The A321neo is particularly attractive for airlines seeking to increase capacity on medium- to long-haul routes without requiring widebody aircraft.
AJet, transformed from AnadoluJet and officially renamed in 2024, operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, primarily from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Ankara Esenboğa Airport, and Antalya Airport. Its route network covers domestic destinations across Turkey and approximately 90 international destinations in over 30 countries, including Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
Unlike most low-cost carriers that operate a single aircraft type, AJet maintains a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. According to Planespotters data, as of mid-2026, AJet operates approximately 128 aircraft, including Boeing 737-800s, Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and Airbus A320ceos, A320neos, and A321neos. Currently, AJet's fleet is sourced through several major leasing companies, including Avolon, Carlyle Aviation Partners, and SMBC Aviation Capital. The addition of these Airbus A321neos will gradually increase the proportion of next-generation Airbus aircraft.
BOC Aviation, headquartered in Singapore, is one of the world's largest aircraft operating lessors, with a portfolio of over 800 owned, managed, and committed aircraft and engines. Its substantial Airbus order book provides customers with access to new aircraft in a capacity-constrained market. Kerem Sarp has previously stated a future fleet size of approximately 200 aircraft, with annual passenger traffic of around 23 million, of which international operations are expected to account for more than half of total capacity. These new aircraft will support this expansion goal by increasing capacity and improving fuel efficiency.
Leveraging the industrial capabilities of Turkish Airlines and a growing fleet of next-generation aircraft, AJet is transforming from a Turkish regional airline into a large low-cost operator connecting Europe, Turkey, and surrounding markets. The introduction of more Airbus A321neo aircraft demonstrates the airline's commitment to fleet modernization, while the partnership with BOC Aviation reinforces the growing role of aircraft leasing companies in supporting airline expansion strategies.
