Turkish Cargo, the global air freight brand of Turkish Airlines, has been named “Cargo Airline of the Year – Global” at the 2025 World Air Cargo Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the air cargo and logistics industry.

Held on 3 June in Munich as part of Air Cargo Europe, the award ceremony brought together key players from across the supply chain, including airlines, logistics providers, freight forwarders, and ground handlers. Organised annually by Air Cargo Week, a leading global publication, the World Air Cargo Awards are widely considered the “Oscars” of the cargo sector. Each year, the ceremony celebrates excellence in innovation, customer service, and operational performance, recognising those setting benchmarks for the future of global trade.

Voted Best by Industry and Jury

Turkish Cargo’s top honour comes as a result of both peer recognition and rigorous professional evaluation. Winners are determined through a dual process that includes a public voting phase among industry professionals, followed by a comprehensive assessment from an independent panel of judges. For Turkish Cargo, this year’s recognition reflects excellence across several categories, including network coverage, customer satisfaction, digitalisation, compliance with safety standards, and overall operational effectiveness.

Ali Türk, Chief Cargo Officer at Turkish Airlines, described the award as a testament to the carrier’s long-standing commitment to performance and innovation.

“We are truly honoured to be recognised as the ‘Cargo Airline of the Year – Global’ by such a respected platform,” said Mr. Türk. “This award is a powerful testament to the strength of our operations, our technology-driven infrastructure, our people-first culture, and our sustainable approach to service delivery. It is the result of a team that moves in unity, acts with responsibility, and creates value together in every condition.”

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to our customers for their trust, to all our colleagues for their dedication, and to the industry stakeholders who deemed us worthy of this recognition,” he added.

Global Growth Powered by Digital Infrastructure

The award also reflects the impact of Turkish Cargo’s long-term strategy to become a leading global logistics provider. Currently operating to more than 370 destinations worldwide — 111 of which are dedicated cargo destinations — the airline has significantly expanded its global footprint over the last decade. Backed by a freighter fleet of 26 aircraft and access to the wider Turkish Airlines passenger network, Turkish Cargo has strengthened its position as a preferred partner for time-sensitive and high-value shipments across industries.

A cornerstone of this expansion is SMARTIST — Turkish Cargo’s new-generation cargo hub located at Istanbul Airport. As one of the largest and most advanced logistics facilities in the world, SMARTIST plays a central role in the carrier’s push for digitalisation, automation, and operational precision. Equipped with cutting-edge handling systems, robotics, and integrated digital monitoring tools, the hub enables end-to-end visibility and greater speed, even during high-volume periods.

Sustainability and Service at the Core

This technology-forward approach has allowed Turkish Cargo to meet rising global demand while maintaining a focus on sustainability. The carrier’s operations are increasingly driven by data analytics and automation, reducing inefficiencies and carbon emissions. This aligns with broader goals to support environmentally responsible logistics and meet evolving global regulatory standards.

Customer satisfaction also remains central to Turkish Cargo’s service model. With dedicated customer support teams, transparent tracking tools, and flexible solutions across sectors — from pharmaceuticals and perishables to e-commerce and automotive — the carrier continues to build long-term relationships based on trust, reliability, and adaptability. The recent award validates not just technical performance, but the consistency of customer experience across global markets.

Looking Ahead to the Future of Air Cargo

As Turkish Cargo celebrates this milestone, the recognition serves as both validation and motivation. In a year marked by volatility and ongoing transformation in the global supply chain, being recognised as the world’s top cargo airline reinforces the company’s resilience and its role in shaping the future of air logistics.

With a strong foundation in place, Turkish Cargo aims to continue its growth journey by enhancing its digital platforms, expanding its freighter fleet, and deepening strategic partnerships. As the logistics industry looks ahead to smarter, greener, and more connected solutions, the airline is positioning itself to lead with agility, scale, and a people-driven approach.

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