Turkish Cargo has awarded Lödige Industries the contract to deliver advanced automation and digital cargo handling technology for the second phase of its SmartIST cargo terminal at Istanbul Airport, marking another milestone in the carrier’s long-term strategy to expand capacity and enhance operational efficiency. The development aligns with Turkish Cargo’s previously announced plans to increase SmartIST’s annual handling capacity from 2.2 million tonnes to 4.5 million tonnes, positioning the facility among the world’s largest air cargo hubs.
The SmartIST Phase 2 expansion will incorporate a highly automated material handling system centred around a six-level high-bay storage facility with capacity for 1,562 unit load devices (ULDs). The installation will include nine 15-foot Elevating Transfer Vehicles, ten 15-foot transfer vehicles, 23 10-foot Elevating Workstations and two 20-foot Elevating Workstations, designed to improve ergonomics while increasing throughput.
Supporting infrastructure will comprise 22 tilting decks, 76 right-angle decks, two 20-foot truck docks and nearly 1,000 powered roller decks, enabling faster and more efficient cargo flows throughout the terminal.
Murat Yalçın Kırca, Vice President, Cargo Operations Global, Turkish Cargo, said the project represents more than a capacity increase.
“With SmartIST 2, 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 uninterrupted service quality for our customers worldwide. This approach is supported by Lödige Industries’ expertise in advanced cargo handling systems.”
Construction and system implementation will be completed in phases between 2027 and 2028.
SmartIST was inaugurated in February 2022 and currently handles up to 2.2 million tonnes of cargo annually. The technology-driven facility features specialised infrastructure for pharmaceutical shipments, temperature-controlled cargo, perishables, hazardous materials and radioactive goods, supported by automated storage and retrieval systems designed to optimise cargo handling and reduce manual intervention.
The latest partnership further reinforces Turkish Cargo’s investment in digitalisation and automation as air cargo operators increasingly adopt intelligent handling systems to accommodate rising freight volumes, improve operational resilience and maximise terminal productivity.
