Challenge Group will conduct the inaugural freighter flight out of Istanbul, Türkiye on January 25.

The freighter will carry a mix of Türkiye's main export products: garments, fabrics, and automotive parts, all from key international customers.

"This event signifies the start of Challenge Airlines' first scheduled operations out of Istanbul Airport, linking Türkiye to Liège in Belgium, and from there to destinations across Europe, as well as to the U.S. and Far East," parent company, Challenge Group said.

Scheduled freighter services

In the announcement, Challenge said from the end of January onwards, Challenge Airlines will operate two Boeing 747F flights per week – on Days 3 and 7 - totalling a joint capacity uplift offer of 240 tonnes.

"As the world's 29th largest exporter with one in two of its exports heading to Europe, Türkiye is a significant contributor to global trade, and Challenge Group, with our established Liège hub at heart of Europe, is a perfect business fit," said Or Zak, commercial vice president of Challenge Group.

"Some 3 million metric tons are handled at Turkish airports each year. Istanbul, in particular, is deservedly making its way up the international cargo airports ranking ladder, and has long been of strategic interest to us. The airport is a fitting pioneer for our planned Group expansion on the east side of the globe," Or Zak added.

Challenge Group noted that it is always open to growing and exploring new markets to enhance the value proposition offered to its customers.