Investing US$2.3 billion in MRO and cargo operations

Turkish Cargo is doubling down on SMARTIST 2.0 as a core part of its 2033 growth strategy. The new facility, due to enter service by the end of 2028, will bring combined SMARTIST capacity to 4.5 million tonnes a year, with expanded automation, temperature-controlled infrastructure and digital systems. More than 55 percent of revenue is expected to come from e-commerce and special cargo by 2033. The carrier is treating freighter and passenger belly capacity as one integrated network. Freighters provide long-haul payload and schedule control, while belly capacity adds frequency and regional flexibility. Route and aircraft decisions are driven by demand, product mix, yields, connectivity and operational constraints rather than capacity growth for its own sake. Digitalisation and proactive fleet planning are being used to protect utilisation and service reliability. Turkish Cargo adjusts frequencies, aircraft types and charter capacity around recurring peaks in pharmaceuticals, perishables and e-commerce, while systems such as CAPRON and TKGO provide real-time operational control and earlier demand visibility. In Asia-Pacific, more than 90 percent of bookings are already processed digitally. By the end of 2028, Turkish Cargo will put its new facility into operation next to the existing SMARTIST terminal, nearly matching its current footprint. Once fully integrated, the combined ecosystem, referred to as SMARTIST 2.0, will reach an annual handling capacity of 4.5 million tonnes, forming a key pillar of the carrier’s Vision 2033 targets. Operationally, SMARTIST 2.0 will increase throughput speed and process stability through expanded ASRS capacity and deeper integration of the airline’s Work Order System. Storage and consolidation decisions will remain system-driven, ensuring predictable flow management and optimised resource utilisation. On the landside, Turkish Cargo’s Truck Guidance System will support real-time dock allocation and controlled goods acceptance, reducing variability and improving turnaround performance. From a revenue perspective, the expansion supports the airline’s transition toward higher-yield segments. By 2033, more than 55 percent of their revenues is expected to originate from e-commerce and special cargo. The expanded autonomous and temperature-controlled infrastructure will allow Turkish Cargo to scale these segments with greater efficiency and consistency. Financially, once fully operational by 2033, SMARTIST 2.0 is expected to nearly double the facility’s revenue generation capacity and create employment for more than 3,000 people. “At Turkish Cargo we do not view fleet expansion, infrastructure, and technology as separate investments. Instead, we manage them as connected parts of a single strategy. Our primary goal is clear: maintain and strengthen our position among the top three global air cargo brands by 2028. To achieve this, we move forward on all fronts simultaneously,” Ali Türk, Chief Cargo Officer, Turkish Airlines, explained. “While we closely monitor the profitability of our investments acrosss all financial parameters, we remain committed to build our logistics ecosystem in line with our 2028 strategic goals.” Freighter versus belly cargo Turkish Cargo manages freighters and belly capacity together, recognising how they serve different roles and should be planned as one network. Wide-body freighters form the backbone of long-haul operations, especially on routes requiring high payload and schedule control. They are essential for time-critical shipments, aviation components, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce shipments. Belly capacity provides frequency and network depth through Turkish Airlines’ wide passenger network. It acts as a flexible layer that allows the carrier to respond quickly to demand shifts and regional volume fluctuations. The balance between long-haul and regional operations is managed dynamically. Deployment decisions are guided by demand structure, connection performance, product profile and revenue quality. Flight duration, slot constraints and operational feasibility are also part of the evaluation. In practice, this means Turkish Cargo deso not expand capacity mechanically. Network growth and capacity discipline move together. As the carrier strengthens long-haul corridors with freighters, it preserves regional flexibility through belly capacity, ensuring the overall system remains balanced and profitable over the long term. “When we plan network expansion, we do not approach it as simply adding destinations. Each new route must strengthen connectivity around Istanbul and support long-term profitability,” Türk outlined. “Today, we serve 114 direct cargo destinations across 134 countries. When combined with the passenger network of Turkish Airlines, our reach extends to 375 destinations worldwide. “In our prioritisation, we assess market size and growth potential, origin-destination flows, product mix, competitive intensity, operational feasibility, and yi