Istanbul’s SMARTIST cargo hub is about to get a lot bigger. Turkish Cargo has again appointed Lödige Industries as its technology partner to expand the facility, which already ranks among the world’s largest cargo hubs at 370,000 m² of closed area. The upgrade, called SMARTIST 2.0, will more than double annual handling capacity from 2.0 million to 4.5 million tons.
Lödige previously equipped the terminal with fully automated systems during Phase 1 in 2021, laying the technological groundwork that helped establish Istanbul as Europe’s leading air cargo gateway and a global benchmark for automation. Building on that foundation, SMARTIST 2.0 will introduce the latest automation and digital technologies, enabling seamless storage and retrieval of ULDs and in-house pallets for faster turnaround times. The investment reinforces Istanbul’s status as a top global cargo gateway while helping Turkish Cargo meet rising demand with fast, efficient, high-quality service.
Murat Yalçın KIRCA, Cargo Operations (Global) Vice President at Turkish Cargo, said: “With SMARTIST 2.0, Turkish Cargo’s ambition goes far beyond adding capacity. We continue to strengthen our role in global air freight through intelligent infrastructure. The next-generation cargo facility allows us to manage growing volumes without disrupting our operational flow, ensuring an uninterrupted service quality for our customers worldwide. This approach is supported by Lödige Industries’ expertise in advanced cargo handling systems.”
Björn Ussat, Director Airport Logistic Solutions at Lödige Industries, stated: “With this flagship project, Turkish Cargo is further strengthening its cargo capabilities at what is likely the world’s most dynamically growing airport. We are extremely proud that they have placed their trust in our expertise once again. This project underlines our commitment to supporting Turkish Cargo’s growth while ensuring the highest standards of automation and operational excellence.”
