Turkish Cargo selects Lödige Industries for SMARTIST 2.0 automation

Turkish Cargo is taking the next major step in expanding SMARTIST, its cutting-edge cargo hub at Istanbul Airport. With this strategic investment, annual handling capacity will more than double from 2.0 million tons to 4.5 million tons, allowing Turkish Cargo to meet growing global demand while ensuring fast, efficient, and high-quality cargo handling for its customers. The expansion consolidates Istanbul’s posi􀆟on as a leading global air cargo gateway. Lödige Industries, which already equipped the exis􀆟ng terminal with fully automated cargo handling systems, has once again been selected as the technology partner for this major project.

Building on the fully automated systems Lödige Industries delivered for Phase 1 in 2021, SMARTIST
2.0 integrates the latest automation and digital technologies to further optimize operational
efficiency and elevate service quality for Turkish Cargo’s customers. The initial phase established the
technological foundation and has been instrumental in positioning Istanbul as Europe’s leading air
cargo hub and a global benchmark for advanced cargo handling.

SMARTIST 2.0 represents the next significant milestone in the evolution of one of the world’s largest
cargo facilities, spanning a total of 370,000 square meters closed area. Designed for maximum
automation, the innovative systems enable seamless storage and retrieval of Unit Load Devices
(ULDs) and In-House Pallets, allowing significantly faster turnaround times while managing a very
complex logistical process.

“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 a
uninterrupted service quality for our customers worldwide. This approach is supported by Lödige
Industries’ expertise in advanced cargo handling systems.” says Murat Yalçın KIRCA, Cargo Operations
(Global) Vice President at Turkish Cargo.

“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 automa􀆟on and opera􀆟onal excellence,” says
Björn Ussat, Director Airport Logis􀆟c Solu􀆟ons at Lödige Industries.

About SMARTIST 2.0

At the core of the new terminal is a six-level high-bay storage system offering 1,562 ULD posi􀆟ons. The scale of the facility is extensive with nine 15 􀅌 Eleva􀆟ng Transfer Vehicles and ten 15 􀅌 transfer vehicles. Furthermore, the individually configured setup features twenty-three 10 􀅌 Eleva􀆟ng Worksta􀆟ons and two 20 􀅌 Eleva􀆟ng Worksta􀆟ons designed for ergonomic and efficient ULD handling. The solu􀆟on is complemented by 22 􀆟l􀆟ng decks, 76 right-angle decks, two 20 􀅌 truck docks, and almost 1.000 powered roller decks. Together, these perfectly coordinated elements create a highly flexible and fully integrated material flow ecosystem.

To support fast and stable ULD transport, the system also includes an in-house pallet storage system comprising of 28 stacker cranes, two hoists, 882 automated storage and retrieval system conveyors, and 18,216 storage posi􀆟ons for in-house pallets measuring 1.2 by 1.2 meters. These components ensure con􀆟nuous, highthroughput opera􀆟ons across the facility, guaranteeing 􀆟mely and reliable processing of all cargo types.

About Turkish Cargo

Opera􀆟ng with the fleet of Turkish Airlines, including 526 aircra􀅌 (passenger aircra􀅌 and 28 freighters), Turkish Cargo provides air cargo service to more than 370 des􀆟na􀆟ons, 113 of which are cargo des􀆟na􀆟ons in 134
countries around the world. For more informa􀆟on, please visit www.turkishcargo.com or our 24/7 call center: +90 850 333 0 77

About Lödige Industries

Headquartered in Paderborn, Germany, Lödige Industries is the world market leader for air cargo terminals and automated parking systems and is also a leading provider of logis􀆟cs systems for warehouses and industry as well as li􀅌 solu􀆟ons. With offices around the world Lödige Industries provides material handling solu􀆟ons for a wide range of customers. Founded in 1948, the family-owned business specializes in the supply of complex material handling systems from planning, design, programming and commissioning to service. In 2025, Lödige Industries generated €246 million in revenue. The company employs approximately 1,500 people.