Icelandair Cargo has taken a decisive step in its international expansion by launching dedicated cargo services in Turkey. The new venture, powered by Globe Air Cargo Turkiye—a subsidiary of ECS Group—brings together local expertise and global reach, opening fresh opportunities for Turkish exporters and importers at a pivotal moment for the air freight industry.
Direct Istanbul–Keflavik Flights Set to Drive Trade Growth
From 5 September 2025, Icelandair will operate four weekly Boeing 737 MAX flights linking Istanbul Airport (IST) with Keflavik (KEF). The route will serve as a gateway to Icelandair’s transatlantic network, offering streamlined cargo connections to major markets in North America and Europe.
The new flights are designed to meet growing demand in sectors where Turkey plays a leading role, including textiles, automotive components, and industrial machinery. For shippers, the development presents an alternative logistics channel at a time when diversified supply chains and reliable air freight options are increasingly critical.
Strategic Alliance: Local Knowledge Meets Global Innovation
For Icelandair Cargo, entering Turkey represents more than a new destination—it signals a carefully structured partnership.
“This is a major milestone for us as we expand into the Turkish market for the first time,” said Einar Már Guðmundsson, Managing Director at Icelandair Cargo. “The expertise of Globe Air Cargo Turkiye, combined with ECS Group’s digital resources, ensures our customers will experience world-class service and efficiency from the very beginning.”
ECS Group, one of the world’s largest GSSAs, views the partnership as a model for connecting international carriers with regional markets. Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, explained: “This partnership is a perfect expression of our vision: linking the global ambitions of our airline partners with strong local expertise. The Globe Air Cargo Turkiye teams have a deep understanding of the Turkish market, and their commitment—combined with ECS Group’s innovation—will enable Icelandair Cargo to quickly establish itself as a key player along this new corridor.”
For Globe Air Cargo Turkiye, which represents multiple carriers in the region, the tie-up underscores its role as a critical enabler for foreign airlines entering Turkey’s competitive market. “We are proud to represent Icelandair Cargo in this exciting launch,” said Ersun Guven, Managing Director of Globe Air Cargo Turkiye. “Our knowledge of the local market and commitment to excellence make us the ideal partner to support their growth.”
Market Context: Turkey’s Rising Role in Global Air Freight
Turkey’s strategic location—bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—has long positioned it as a logistics powerhouse. Istanbul Airport has emerged as a central hub for passenger and cargo operations, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure attracting both global carriers and regional players.
Industry analysts note that the introduction of Icelandair Cargo’s services adds a fresh dimension to the market. With Keflavik acting as a transatlantic connector, Turkish exporters now gain access to faster, more direct cargo routes to the United States and key European cities. For importers, Icelandair’s network promises efficient inbound flows of machinery, technology, and consumer goods.
A Foundation for Future Growth
Beyond immediate trade benefits, the Icelandair–Globe Air Cargo Turkiye alliance signals a longer-term strategy to strengthen cargo flows between Turkey and the wider world. The integration of ECS Group’s digital platforms—covering booking, visibility, and data management—also reflects a growing emphasis on digitalization in the air freight industry.
With the inaugural flights set to take off in early September, the partnership establishes a new air bridge that blends local market expertise, global network access, and digital innovation. For Turkish shippers, it represents not just a new service but an expanded set of choices in navigating today’s complex global trade environment.
