Turkish Cargo has initiated the next major expansion of its SMARTIST cargo facility at Istanbul Airport, selecting Germany-based material handling specialist Lödige Industries to deliver advanced automation systems for the project’s second phase.
The SMARTIST 2.0 development will more than double the facility’s annual handling capacity from 2.0 million metric tons to 4.5 million metric tons, reinforcing Istanbul’s position as an international air freight gateway connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Building on the foundation laid during Phase 1—which Lödige Industries equipped in 2021—the expanded 370,000-square-meter facility integrates automated storage, digital material tracking, and high-throughput handling infrastructure designed to shorten turnaround times for aircraft and freight forwarders.
Key Infrastructure and Technical Specifications
The SMARTIST 2.0 expansion incorporates high-density storage and automated transfer equipment tailored for Unit Load Devices (ULDs) and internal cargo pallets.
Automated ULD Storage & Handling
- High-Bay Storage: A 6-level automated high-bay racking system providing 1,562 ULD positions.
- Transfer Vehicles: Nine 15 ft Elevating Transfer Vehicles (ETVs) and ten 15 ft transfer vehicles for continuous floor transport.
- Workstations & Docks: Twenty-three 10 ft and two 20 ft Elevating Workstations for ergonomic cargo buildup and breakdown, supported by two 20 ft truck docks.
- Conveyor Ecosystem: 22 tilting decks, 76 right-angle decks, and nearly 1,000 powered roller decks forming an integrated material flow network.
In-House Pallet Handling System
- Automated Storage & Retrieval (ASRS): 18,216 dedicated storage positions for standard 1.2 m × 1.2 m in-house pallets.
- Stackers & Conveyors: 28 stacker cranes, 2 hoists, and 882 ASRS conveyor units regulating internal cargo movement across the terminal.
Executive Insights
“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 uninterrupted service quality for our customers worldwide,” said Murat Yalçın KIRCA, Vice President of Cargo Operations (Global), Turkish Cargo.
Björn Ussat, Director of Airport Logistic Solutions, Lödige Industries, added, “With this flagship project, Turkish Cargo is further strengthening its cargo capabilities at what is likely the world’s most dynamically growing airport. We are extremely proud that they have placed their trust in our expertise once again. This project underlines our commitment to supporting Turkish Cargo’s growth while ensuring the highest standards of automation and operational excellence.”
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