WEEKLY NEWS


AIR CARG O WEEK


TÜRKIYE’S AIRFREIGHT AMBITIONS TAKE FLIGHT


BY Anastasiya SIMSEK 10


STRATEGICALLY positioned between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Türkiye has long benefited from its geography. But its growing airfreight sector is now powered by more than location. Infrastructure expansion, regulatory modernisation, and a strong foothold in time-sensitive industries are elevating its role in global logistics. According to Kris Adams, Executive Vice President for Eastern Europe at DP World, Türkiye is “completely


embedded” in global supply chains — and the data backs it up. In 2023, Turkish airports handled 4.4 million metric tonnes of airfreight, including 3.6 million tonnes in international operations, pointing to a steady shift from regional importance to global connectivity. “Türkiye’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East has made it a natural


logistics hub,” says Adams. “Its proximity to key markets allows for rapid transit times and cost-efficient trade routes.” But physical placement is only one piece of the puzzle. “Its developed infrastructure — ports, airports, and railways — supports multimodal logistics,” he adds. Türkiye’s ability to pivot between sea, air and land freight makes it an attractive alternative to overburdened


or politically volatile transit corridors elsewhere in the region. DP World, which operates the Evyap Yarimca terminal with over two million TEU of container capacity and


over one million tonnes of liquid bulk cargo capacity, is betting on that infrastructure. “These [investments] will further our goal of providing cost-effective trade in the future for our Turkish customers,” Adams says.


e-commerce drives a surge in small, high-value shipments If infrastructure is the enabler, e-commerce is the catalyst. Türkiye’s airfreight growth has been closely tied to the rise of online retail platforms across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. “The e-commerce sector is a major driver of airfreight demand in Türkiye,” Adams confirms. “These businesses thrive on delivering small, often high-value shipments quickly to customers… where speed and reliability are critical.” This surge is more than pandemic-era behaviour. As Adams explains, “The rise of online shopping, accelerated


by changing consumer behaviour and increased digital adoption, has created an unprecedented need for efficient logistics solutions.” To meet that demand, Türkiye has overhauled its warehousing and ground operations. “Major e-commerce


platforms have driven the demand for rapid delivery solutions,” he says. “In response, Türkiye has modernised warehouses, adopted automation technologies, and expanded airport cargo capabilities.” DP World has integrated real-time tracking into this new digital ecosystem. “The integration of our SeaRates


Air Tracking feature enables us and our customers to easily monitor shipments from origin to destination,” Adams explains. “This provides the type of visibility and reliability that e-commerce businesses require.” e-commerce may be growing fastest, but it’s not the only sector expanding its footprint in Türkiye’s air cargo


market. Automotive and pharmaceutical cargo continue to account for significant volumes — especially where speed is mission-critical. “DP World has strategically positioned itself to meet the growing demand for airfreight solutions in Türkiye,


particularly in time-sensitive sectors like automotive,” Adams says. That includes just-in-time (JIT) deliveries of spare parts and components from production centres such as Bursa to Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and London. “In 2024 alone, we transported 300 tonnes of automotive parts for our customers, ensuring uninterrupted


production lines and supporting the global competitiveness of Türkiye’s automotive industry.” On the pharmaceutical side, active containers and temperature-controlled handling are central. “Active


containers are particularly crucial when it comes to high-value pharmaceuticals,” Adams notes. “They allow temperature ranges to remain consistent even during long transits.”


Cold chain for cherries, sea bass and biotech Türkiye’s perishable exports — such as cherries, figs, sea bream and sea bass — have also pushed its airfreight operators to embrace advanced cold chain solutions. “DP World has embraced advanced cold-chain logistics,” Adams says, noting that in 2024 alone, the company


transported over 650 tonnes of fruits and 750 tonnes of fresh fish. Key technologies include thermal blankets, dry ice, and active containers, combined with real-time monitoring for full compliance and visibility. These systems are designed not just to maintain temperature, but to ensure quality assurance and


traceability to the end market. That’s especially crucial for Türkiye’s growing agri-export business to European supermarkets and global pharma logistics chains.


Sustainability as strategy As pressure grows on the aviation sector to reduce emissions, Türkiye’s air cargo community has begun embracing green logistics, both in infrastructure and operations. One of the most ambitious examples: Istanbul Airport’s plan to become the world’s first airport to run entirely


on solar power, through a dedicated solar plant in Eskisehir capable of producing 340 million kilowatt-hours annually. “DP World supports such efforts by recommending aircraft with lower emissions and advocating for automation-driven efficiency,” says Adams. But the company also goes further. “Our logistics platforms enable customers to streamline processes, such as entering sender and receiver information directly through our portal, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing speed and accuracy.” DP World also offers clients a Carbon Footprint Calculator, allowing companies to quantify emissions across


their supply chains. “This allows our customers to make informed decisions that align with their sustainability goals and broader global climate commitments,” Adams adds. While infrastructure has improved and digital tools are increasingly widespread, customs clearance remains


a challenge. “Busy airports all over the world face the challenge of dealing with the** — **often slow — process of customs clearance,” says Adams. “And the ones in Türkiye are not exempt from it.” The lag adds cost, time, and uncertainty for shippers and forwarders. To address this, Adams says,


“Harmonising regulatory frameworks and introducing more streamlined customs processes, supported by digital tools, are essential steps.” DP World is contributing its own solutions. “CARGOES Customs streamlines the entire customs clearance


process by automating paperwork, providing real-time compliance validation, and offering enhanced visibility with real-time tracking and updates,” he explains.


The next decade Looking ahead, Türkiye’s airfreight sector is expected to maintain strong momentum, driven by a combination


of fleet expansion, cargo terminal investment, and a shift towards digitisation. “Türkiye’s airfreight sector is poised for significant growth over the next few years,” Adams says. “To support


this growth and stay at the forefront of industry advancements, we are focused on integrating innovative trends such as digitalisation and data analytics into our operations.” And it’s not just about air. Multimodal development is also on the radar. “We are actively integrating multimodal


transport solutions to optimise routes and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive modes,” says Adams. “Whether through intermodal rail connections or more energy-efficient ground logistics, we are committed


to building a more sustainable and resilient airfreight ecosystem in Türkiye and in all the other countries we operate.”


ACW 7 JULY 2025 www.aircargoweek.com


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