SMARTIST 2.0 to boost Turkish Cargo capacity

Turkish Cargo has announced the next phase of expansion at its SMARTIST cargo hub at Istanbul Airport, a project that will more than double the facility's annual cargo handling capacity from 2 million tonnes to 4.5 million tonnes.

The investment is aimed at meeting growing global air cargo demand while enhancing the speed, efficiency and quality of cargo handling operations. The expansion is also expected to reinforce Istanbul's position as a leading global air cargo gateway.

As part of the project, Turkish Cargo has once again selected Lodige Industries as its technology partner. The company previously supplied the fully automated cargo handling systems for the first phase of SMARTIST, which entered service in 2021.

The expanded SMARTIST 2.0 facility will integrate the latest automation and digital technologies to improve operational efficiency and service quality. According to the companies, the first phase established the technological foundation that helped position Istanbul as Europe's leading air cargo hub and a global benchmark for advanced cargo handling.

Covering 370,000 square metres of enclosed space, SMARTIST 2.0 will feature highly automated systems for the storage and retrieval of Unit Load Devices (ULDs) and in-house pallets. The technology is expected to reduce turnaround times while improving the handling of increasingly complex cargo flows.

Murat Yalcin 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 Lodige Industries’ expertise in advanced cargo handling systems.”

Bjorn Ussat, Director Airport Logistic Solutions at Lodige Industries, said, the project will further strengthen Turkish Cargo's cargo capabilities at one of the world's fastest-growing airports. The company added that the renewed partnership reflects Turkish Cargo's confidence in its automation expertise and its commitment to supporting the airline's expansion with advanced technology and high operational standards.

The new terminal will feature a six-level high-bay storage system with capacity for 1,562 Unit Load Devices (ULDs), forming the backbone of its cargo handling operations. The facility will also include nine 15-foot elevating transfer vehicles, ten 15-foot transfer vehicles, 25 elevating workstations, 22 tilting decks, 76 right-angle decks, two 20-foot truck docks, and nearly 1,000 powered roller decks. Together, the integrated automated systems are designed to enable flexible, efficient, and high-volume cargo handling while streamlining material flow across the terminal.

The facility will also incorporate an in-house pallet storage system featuring 28 stacker cranes, two hoists, 882 automated storage and retrieval conveyors, and capacity for 18,216 in-house pallets. The integrated system is designed to support high-throughput operations, ensuring fast, reliable, and efficient processing of cargo across the terminal.

Based in Paderborn, Germany, Lodige Industries is a leading supplier of automated air cargo terminals, warehouse logistics and lift solutions, as well as automated parking systems.