A report by Reuters said that sources close to the deal had confirmed that the purchase could be worth up to $9bn at official list prices, a transaction that would be an important turn in the increasingly fierce competition between Airbus and Boeing.
Initial negotiations for 50 jets between Pegasus and the manufacturers were first reported by Reuters in July. The decision to switch suppliers by a fast-growing airline that currently operates only Boeing jets follows a tough contest between the world’s two largest planemakers.
Pegasus’ latest expansion highlights rapid growth in Turkish aviation after flag carrier Turkish Airlines recently ordered long-range aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus.
Industry watchers said the competition was intense as Boeing resisted efforts by Airbus to secure one of its entrenched customers, a type of duel known as a “flip fight”.
Airlines often stick with one supplier for the same aircraft category to save on maintenance and training costs. But the arrival of more efficient jets sparked a scramble for orders and allowed each supplier to woo customers previously loyal to the other side.
