Turkish Airlines has secured a five-year credit facility worth 2.9 billion Chinese yuan (approximately USD 412 million) from the Bank of China to support its fleet expansion, infrastructure investments, and long-term growth plans. The financing, coordinated by Bank of China Turkey A.Ş. with participation from Bank of China Macau, marks a significant step in the carrier’s strategy to diversify funding sources and strengthen international financial partnerships.
The new credit line will be used to finance key development areas including new aircraft acquisitions, facility construction, and infrastructure upgrades at Istanbul Airport. Turkish Airlines said the deal underscores its commitment to sustainable growth and its ambition to expand its global network as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2033.
Strategic cooperation between Türkiye and China
The financing agreement reflects growing economic cooperation between Türkiye and China. According to Turkish Airlines, the partnership with Bank of China aligns with both countries’ long-term strategic goals and supports cross-border financial collaboration. The carrier described the deal as a milestone in its efforts to secure innovative and diversified funding solutions that align with its sustainability objectives.
“As Turkish Airlines, in line with our sustainable growth and global expansion goals, we attach great value to trust-based collaborations with leading international institutions such as Bank of China,” said Assoc. Prof. Murat Şeker, Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Board and Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines. “This financing not only strengthens our financial structure but also contributes to the development of economic and cultural ties between Türkiye and China.”
Supporting long-term expansion and sustainability
Turkish Airlines said the credit deal is part of its broader financial strategy to secure competitive and stable long-term funding as the company invests in new aircraft and operational capacity. The airline continues to expand its network, currently flying to more countries than any other carrier, and plans to further increase fleet size and connectivity over the coming decade.
The agreement with Bank of China follows a series of partnerships between Turkish Airlines and leading global financial institutions aimed at supporting its sustainable growth targets. The carrier emphasized that the latest transaction not only strengthens its balance sheet but also enhances bilateral cooperation between Turkish and Chinese financial sectors.
The successful completion of the financing represents a new chapter in Turkish Airlines’ international growth strategy and reinforces its position as one of the world’s fastest-expanding full-service carriers.
