Boeing nears 150-aircraft 737 MAX order with Turkish Airlines

Boeing is nearing a deal to sell Turkish Airlines 150 737 MAX jets, an order that had been delayed. The carrier had threatened to walk away over contractual differences with the CFM International consortium regarding engine maintenance.

The 150 single-aisle aircraft are part of a larger package of 225 planes announced a year ago, after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with then-US President Donald Trump.

Talks stalled over the airline's request for an industrial engine maintenance agreement, but negotiations have resumed. Sources close to the talks say the definitive contract could be signed next week.

The dispute centred on who would carry the financial risk for long-term repair costs, at a time when the industry faces tight supplies and rising prices for parts and spares. Turkish Airlines also wanted a "Premier" maintenance facility included in the deal. The carrier flies a mixed fleet of more than 400 Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

Turkish media reported a possible meeting between Trump and Erdogan around the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The White House gave no immediate comment.