Boeing and Turkish Airlines are marking the delivery of the first commercial airplane – a Next-Generation 737-800 – outfitted with galleys manufactured by Turkish Cabin Interiors (TCI). Turkish Airlines will receive nine more 737s this year equipped with TCI galleys.

TCI is the first Turkish aerospace manufacturing company to design, manufacture and certify products for the aerospace market, paving the way for ongoing development of aerospace capabilities in Turkey. Boeing has been assisting TCI in the development of airplane interior products since shortly after the company was founded through the joint effort of Turkish Airlines, Turkish Aerospace Industries and Turkish Technic.

“This is a year in which we will put special emphasis on further building our infrastructure. As we continue to improve the quality of service and expand our presence in the global aviation industry, we also put a high priority on extending and further developing the Turkish aviation industry,” said Hamdi Topçu, Board Chairman of Turkish Airlines. “By establishing Turkish Cabin Interiors (TCI), we have taken a more active role in the Turkish industry through logistical support. We look forward to the TCI brand becoming popular across the industry.”

With this milestone, TCI brings added capacity and capability to the global supply chain as commercial airplane production ramps up.

 “This demonstrates the deep and growing partnership between Boeing and the Turkish aerospace industry,” said Bernard J. Dunn, President of Boeing Turkey and North Africa. “Manufacturing for aerospace is demanding in terms of regulatory compliance and certification. For TCI to design, manufacture and certify their galley product in just three short years speaks a great deal about the quality of their people as well as their product.”

Beyond storage and facilitation of food service, galleys offer airlines an opportunity to differentiate the customer experience through efficiency, interior design and comfort. Having another supplier of components for airplane interiors gives more choice and flexibility to airplane customers, while increasing capacity in the global supply chain to meet growing demand.