SunExpress Airlines has awarded Lufthansa Technik with a comprehensive MRO contract for both the legacy and latest-technology engines powering its fleet of Boeing 737s.

The respective five-year contracts encompass legacy CFM56-7B engines powering SunExpress’s Boeing 737-800s as well as latest-generation CFM LEAP-1B engines used on the airline’s fast-growing subfleet of Boeing 737-8s.

To be carried out at Lufthansa Technik’s engine services facilities in Hamburg, Germany, the broad spectrum of work will range from smaller repairs via quick turns up to complete overhauls and performance restoration shop visits.

The first engines covered by the new agreement are planned to be inducted in Hamburg during Q1 of 2026.

Upon request, Lufthansa Technik’s joint-venture XEOS in Poland can also be employed to provide extra capacity for services on SunExpress’ engines.

Cemil Sayar, chief operating officer at SunExpress, said: “This strategic partnership reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of reliability and performance across our Boeing 737 fleet.

“By covering both our legacy CFM56-7B engines and the latest-generation LEAP-1B engines, the agreement supports our fleet development while ensuring high-quality MRO services.

“We greatly value Lufthansa Technik’s proven expertise and look forward to continuing our close cooperation in the years ahead.”

Harald Gloy, chief operations officer at Lufthansa Technik, said: “The rollover to the latest-generation types such as the LEAP-1B engine is progressing steadily, but its venerable CFM56-7B predecessor is also still going strong and creating demand for MRO capacity.

“Thus, we are pleased that we can offer SunExpress our enormous expertise for both generations of Boeing 737 powerplants.

“I’d like to thank our valued customer for its trust in our services and look forward to this new chapter in our journey together.”

The new long-term engine services contracts build on previous deals between both parties: In 2024, Lufthansa Technik performed both engine shop level troubleshooting support and an Engine Performance Restoration on one of SunExpress’ CFM56-7Bs.

SunExpress also uses the maintenance and engineering software AMOS, which is part of Lufthansa Technik’s Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem.

SunExpress is a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa.

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