Turkish Airlines advances cargo, global operations with $100B plan

Turkish Airlines has unveiled a major investment initiative aimed at enhancing Türkiye’s aviation infrastructure and boosting the airline’s competitive advantage. Aligned with the carrier’s 2033 vision, the programme saw groundbreaking ceremonies for eight new facilities across multiple locations, primarily at its hub, Istanbul Airport, representing a total investment exceeding TRY 100 billion.

As part of its new investment drive, Turkish Airlines is rolling out several projects to reinforce its global leadership in cargo, technical maintenance, and catering. At the forefront is the Turkish Cargo SmartIST Phase 2 project, set to become one of the world’s largest air cargo centres with an annual capacity of 4.5 million tonnes, scheduled for gradual completion during 2027–2028.

Complementing this is the E-Commerce Complex, a cornerstone of the airline’s logistics and digital transformation strategy, planned to enter service in 2026. Through Widect, its new-generation operational model offering “door-to-door integrated cargo solutions,” the complex will further strengthen Turkish Airlines’ role in global trade.

“With a breakthrough that will leave its mark on the skies, opening a new page at the pinnacle of aviation, and further strengthening the wings of our national flag carrier, we will make a determined and ambitious start to 2026. These eight projects’ foundations we are laying today are strong steps taken towards Turkish Airlines' magnificent rise and its goal of becoming the world's number one airline. With the second phase of the air cargo terminal SmartIST underway, the facility's usage area will increase. The cargo handling capacity, currently at 2.2 million tonnes, will rise to 4.5 million tonnes, propelling Turkish Cargo to global leadership. These projects will further strengthen not only Turkish Airlines' wings but also those of Türkiye's economy. Within the scope of these major investments totalling TRY 100 billion, 26,000 new job opportunities will be generated in 2026, and our aviation ecosystem will continue to grow,” says Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Türkiye.

In technical maintenance, the Turkish Technic Engine Maintenance Centre, set for completion in 2027, will be among Europe’s largest next-generation aircraft engine maintenance facilities, capable of servicing Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97, and Trent 7000 Rolls-Royce engines. Additional aircraft maintenance hangars, scheduled for 2026, will expand maintenance capacity for 12 aircraft simultaneously, boosting the airline’s current capabilities by around 20%.

“In line with our 2033 targets, we are developing not only our fleet but also the robust infrastructure that will allow us to fully utilise this fleet. This investment initiative, exceeding TRY 100 billion and spanning from our cargo operations to our technical maintenance capacity, from our catering centres to integrated operational solutions, strengthens our global competitiveness and is concrete evidence of our vision to make Türkiye one of the world's foremost aviation hubs. These investments, which will provide 26,000 new jobs in 2026, will increase to 36,000 when all phases are completed. With these steps, we are building not only facilities but also an ecosystem for the future of our country's economy and aviation sector. Today, our company's contribution to our country's economy is USD 65 billion, and when we reach our 2033 goals, this figure will reach USD 144 billion,” says Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines.

On the catering and operational side, the Turkish Airlines Main Catering Facility will become one of the world’s largest inflight catering centres, capable of serving over 500,000 passengers daily, and is expected to be operational by 2027–2028. Supporting long-term growth, the Istanbul Data Centre, planned for 2027–2028, will form the digital backbone of operations with advanced data management and high-security infrastructure, while Phase 1 of the Flight Training Centre (2026–2027) will strengthen human resource development. Finally, the Additional Crew Terminal Building, scheduled for completion in 2026, will ensure seamless coordination between ground services, maintenance, and flight operations, complementing the airline’s expanding operational network.

These investments form the foundation of an integrated growth model that advances operational capacity, technical infrastructure, and digital capabilities in line with Turkish Airlines’ 2033 objectives to become one of the world's five largest fleets as the carrier celebrates its centennial. They also serve as the backbone of a strategic aviation ecosystem supporting global operations.