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Turkish Cargo has announced a significant step towards expanding its SMARTIST cargo center at Istanbul Airport. This investment will more than double the annual handling capacity from 2 million tons to 4.5 million tons. The aim is to meet the growing global demand while ensuring a swift and high-quality handling of cargo for customers. This expansion solidifies Istanbul’s position as an important international air freight hub.
Lödige Industries, already responsible for equipping the existing terminal (photo) with fully automated cargo handling systems, has been selected again as the technology partner for this project. The new phase, SMARTIST 2.0, builds on the automated systems installed in the first phase in 2021. It integrates modern automation and digital technologies to further optimize operational efficiency and enhance service quality for Turkish Cargo’s customers.
Expansion of automation and efficiency
SMARTIST 2.0 represents another significant step in the development of one of the largest cargo facilities worldwide, covering a total area of 370,000 m². The innovative systems are designed for maximum automation and enable seamless storage and retrieval of Unit Load Devices (ULDs) and in-house pallets. This results in significantly faster processing times in managing complex logistical processes.
Murat Yalçın Kirca, Vice President of Cargo Operations (Global) at Turkish Cargo, emphasizes:
“With SMARTIST 2.0, our ambition goes far beyond mere capacity expansion. We strengthen our role in global air freight traffic through intelligent infrastructure. The next generation of the cargo facility allows us to handle growing volumes without disrupting operations and ensures consistent service quality for our customers worldwide.”
Björn Ussat, Director of Airport Logistic Solutions at Lödige Industries, also expresses a positive outlook:
“With this flagship project, Turkish Cargo strengthens its cargo capacities at one of the most dynamic airports in the world. We are proud that they are once again relying on our expertise. This project underscores our commitment to supporting the growth of Turkish Cargo while ensuring the highest standards in automation and operational excellence.”
Technical details of the new facility
The centerpiece of the new terminal is a six-level high-bay warehouse with 1,562 ULD positions. The facility includes nine 15 ft Elevating Transfer Vehicles and ten 15 ft Transfer Vehicles. Additionally, there are 23 10 ft Elevating Workstations and two 20 ft Elevating Workstations designed for ergonomic and efficient handling of ULDs. The solution is complemented by 22 tilt-proof decks, 76 right-angle decks, two 20 ft truck docks, and nearly 1,000 motorized rolling decks. These perfectly coordinated elements create a highly flexible and fully integrated material flow system.
To support the rapid and stable transport of ULDs, the system also includes an internal pallet storage area with 28 stacker cranes, two hoists, 882 automated storage and retrieval system conveyors, and 18,216 storage locations for internal pallets measuring 1.2 m x 1.2 m. These components ensure continuous, high-performance operation throughout the facility and guarantee timely and reliable processing of all types of cargo.
