Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul Airport) could switch its order for up to 150 B737 MAX aircraft to Airbus if talks with engine maker CFM International fail to make progress, the airline’s chairman Ahmet Bolat told Reuters.

The carrier announced the order in September, saying that negotiations had been completed with Boeing for the purchase of 150 aircraft of the B737-8 and B737-10 variants, of which 100 were firm and 50 optional. At the same time, it firmed an order for thirty-five B787-9s and fifteen B787-10s, securing purchase rights for 25 additional B787s.

“If negotiations with engine manufacturer CFM International are successfully completed, orders for B737-8/10 MAX aircraft will also be placed,” the company said at the time in a notice to the market.

Bolat told Reuters that disagreements between CFM and Turkish Airlines remained and that the General Electric and Safran Aircraft Engines venture must come “to feasible economical terms.”

“If CFM continues its stance, we'll change to Airbus. With Airbus, I have choices," he said, referring to the fact that CFM is the only engine provider for the MAX family, while the A320neo family is powered by either CFM and Pratt & Whitney.

CFM International declined to disclose details of contractual negotiations, Reuters reported.

ch-aviation data shows Turkish Airlines’ orders also include 190 A321-200NX, fifteen A350-1000s, sixty A350-900s, and five A350Fs from Airbus. The Airbus and Boeing orders are part of Turkish Airlines' broader fleet growth strategy. The airline is aiming for an 800-strong aircraft fleet by 2033, up from 451 currently.