Turkish Airlines Begins Massive Cargo and MRO Center Expansion at Istanbul Airport
Key Points
- 1TRY 100 billion ($2.3 billion USD) investment funds eight major infrastructure projects, aligning with Turkish Airlines' Vision 2033 strategy.
- 2SmartIST cargo terminal capacity will more than double from 2.2 million tonnes to 4.5 million tonnes by 2028, aiming to be one of the world's largest air cargo hubs.
- 3Turkish Technic's new engine maintenance center, set for 2027, will be Europe's largest for new-generation Trent engines (A350/A330neo), with a capacity of 200 shop visits annually.
- 4The initiative is projected to create 26,000 new jobs in 2026, rising to 36,000 upon full completion of all facilities.
Turkish Airlines has launched a comprehensive infrastructure investment program. This initiative is valued at over TRY 100 billion, or approximately $2.3 billion USD. The plan includes eight major projects, primarily centered at iGA Turkish Airlines Istanbul Airport. This massive airline strategic investment aligns with the carrier’s long-term “Vision 2033” strategy. The goal is to strengthen the airline’s global competitive edge.
Expanding Global Air Freight Capacity
A cornerstone of the new Turkish Airlines infrastructure projects is the expansion of the Turkish Cargo SmartIST terminal. This is the second phase of the Istanbul air cargo facility project. The current annual handling capacity is 2.2 million tonnes. The expansion will more than double this capacity. The new target capacity is 4.5 million tonnes annually. This will position the SmartIST terminal among the world’s largest air cargo hubs. The project is scheduled for gradual completion between 2027 and 2028. The airline is also building a dedicated E-Commerce Complex. This complex is planned to open in 2026 to support door-to-door delivery services. This move reinforces the carrier's role in the rapidly growing global air freight market.
New Turkish Technic Engine Maintenance Center
Another key pillar of the investment focuses on technical services. This involves significant expansion through the airline’s maintenance unit, Turkish Technic. A new Turkish Technic engine maintenance center is slated for completion in 2027. This facility is expected to be one of Europe’s largest new-generation Aircraft maintenance repair overhaul (MRO) centers.
The center will specialize in servicing advanced Rolls-Royce Trent engine models. Specifically, it will handle the Trent XWB-84 and Trent XWB-97 engines. These power the Airbus A350 family of aircraft. It will also service the Trent 7000 engine used on the Airbus A330neo. The new facility is planned for 200 engine shop visits per year. This collaboration with Rolls-Royce is a major step. It will reinforce Türkiye’s growing role as a global MRO hub.
Additional Technical and Operational Investments
The total investment covers eight distinct projects. These are designed to boost overall operational capacity.
- Maintenance Hangars: Additional aircraft maintenance hangars will be completed by 2026. This will increase Turkish Technic’s heavy maintenance capacity by about 20%. It will allow simultaneous work on up to 12 aircraft.
- Catering Facility: A new Main Catering Facility is planned for 2027–2028. It will be one of the world's largest, serving over 500,000 meals daily.
- Training and Digital: The plan includes a new Flight Training Centre and an Istanbul Data Centre.
Industry Impact and Job Creation
This extensive investment is expected to have a significant economic impact. The projects are projected to create 26,000 new jobs in 2026. This number is expected to rise to 36,000 upon full completion of all phases. Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat noted the investment strengthens global competitiveness. He emphasized the vision to make Türkiye a world-foremost aviation hub. The Minister of Transport stated the projects strengthen the economy. These developments are closely watched in the commercial aviation news sector [https://flying.flights]. The expansion signals a major commitment to long-term growth.
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