Turkish Cargo plans to further expand its fleet and grow its cargo network, supported by investments in new-generation aircraft and its high-capacity SMARTIST hub at Istanbul Airport.
The cargo arm of Turkish Airlines is looking to increase the number of its cargo destinations to 150 and 44 aircraft by 2033, including new additions such as Boeing 777Fs and Airbus A350Fs.
Turkish Cargo is also planning to boost the capacity of its SMARTIST facility to 4.5 million tons and grow its operational volume to 3.9 million tons by 2033.
The carrier highlighted its growth plans after receiving recognition as the fastest-growing international cargo airline of the year.
"We are honored to once again be recognized as the world's fastest-growing air cargo brand. I would like to extend my thanks to all our colleagues, customers, and business partners who played a role in this achievement. As Turkish Cargo, we continue to expand our global flight network and strengthen our position in the industry through operational efficiency and innovative logistics solutions provided by our SMARTIST facility," said Ali Türk, chief cargo officer of Turkish Airlines.
"This award is proof that we are on the right track. We will continue to deliver the best service to our customers by further investing in human resources and technology," he added.
Turkish Cargo operates a fleet of 24 dedicated freighters, including 10 Airbus A330Fs, 8 Boeing 777Fs, and 6 leased aircraft, such as Boeing 747-400Fs and Airbus A310Fs.
The carrier has announced plans to expand its freighter fleet to 40 aircraft over the next five years, with additional orders placed for four Boeing 777Fs and five Airbus A350Fs, plus options for 20 more A350Fs.
This growth strategy complements Turkish Airlines' broader fleet expansion, which aims to reach 500 aircraft by September 2025 and 813 by 2033, reinforcing its position as a global logistics leader.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cargo's SMARTIST facility at Istanbul Airport is a cornerstone of the carrier's strategy to strengthen its position as a global logistics leader.
Spanning 205,000 square meters in its first phase, SMARTIST enables the handling of up to 2 million tons of cargo annually, with plans to expand capacity to 4.5 million tons upon completion of phase two.
The terminal integrates automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and ULD storage automation, reducing manual intervention and streamlining cargo movement. These smart systems allow staff to focus on value-added tasks, improving operational efficiency and minimizing risks.
SMARTIST has recently earned the IATA Smart Facility Operational Capacity Certification, confirming compliance with international standards for handling dangerous goods, temperature-sensitive shipments, live animals, and perishable cargo, reinforcing Turkish Cargo's commitment to quality, safety, and digital transformation.
By leveraging robotic process automation and smart dock systems, the facility enhances speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction — key metrics in global logistics competitiveness.
Turkish Cargo has noted SMARTIST's strategic location, positioning it as a vital hub for East-West trade flows, further solidifying Turkish Cargo's global reach.