Turkish Airlines has launched an investment initiative intended to boost its competitiveness and strengthen Türkiye’s aviation infrastructure.
As part of the initiative, which is in line with the national flag carrier’s 2033 vision, groundbreaking ceremonies have been held for eight new facilities with a total investment value exceeding TRY 100 billion (£1.73 billion), at several locations, primarily at its base at Istanbul Airport.
As part of its new investments, Turkish Airlines is implementing the following eight projects to enhance its cargo, technical maintenance, and catering operations:
- Turkish Cargo SmartIST Phase 2. This project, which will be one of the world’s largest air cargo centres with an annual capacity of 4.5 million tons, is planned to be completed gradually during the 2027-2028 period.
- Turkish Airlines Main Catering Facility. This facility is positioned to be one of the world’s largest in-flight catering centres, with the capacity to serve more than 500,000 passengers per day, and is expected to become operational during the 2027-2028 period.
- Turkish Technic Engine Maintenance Centre. Due to be completed in 2027, this will be one of Europe’s largest new-generation aircraft engine maintenance centres, with the capability of servicing Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97 and Trent 7000 Rolls Royce engines.
- Additional aircraft maintenance hangars. More hangars will be built for Turkish Technic, with completion planned for 2026. These hangars will create a simultaneous maintenance capacity for 12 aircraft, increasing the company’s current maintenance capability by an average of 20%.
- E-Commerce Complex. This will be a key element in Turkish Airlines’ logistics and digital transformation vision and is planned to enter service within 2026. The complex will strengthen the airline’s role in global trade through Widect, its new-generation operational model offering ‘door-to-door integrated cargo solutions’.
- Istanbul Data Centre. This will form the digital backbone of operational continuity and is planned to become operational during the 2027-2028 period. The centre will raise the company’s technology capacity to a new level with its high-security infrastructure and advanced data management capabilities
- Flight Training Centre (Phase 1). Scheduled to open in the 2026-2027 period, this facility is positioned at the centre of human resource investments, supporting Turkish Airlines’ long-term growth strategy.
- Turkish Airlines additional crew terminal building. Planned in line with the expanding operational volume and scheduled for completion within 2026, this building is included among the investments as a complementary infrastructure element that provides seamless logistics flow between ground services, maintenance, and flight operations.
The airline says these investments form the foundation of an integrated growth model that advances operational capacity, technical infrastructure, and digital capabilities in line with Turkish Airlines’ 2033 objectives to become one of the world’s five largest fleets as the carrier celebrates its centennial. They also serve as the backbone of a strategic aviation ecosystem, supporting global operations.
Commenting on the investments, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, chairman of Turkish Airlines said: “In line with our 2033 targets, we are developing not only our fleet but also the robust infrastructure that will allow us to fully utilise this fleet. This investment initiative, exceeding TRY 100 billion and spanning from our cargo operations to our technical maintenance capacity and from our catering centres to integrated operational solutions, strengthens our global competitiveness and is concrete evidence of our vision to make Türkiye one of the world’s foremost aviation hubs.
“These investments, which will provide 26,000 new jobs in 2026, will increase to 36,000 when all phases are completed,” he added. “With these steps, we are building not only facilities but also an ecosystem for the future of our country’s economy and aviation sector. Today, our company’s contribution to our country’s economy is USD 65 billion, and when we reach our 2033 goals, this figure will reach USD 144 billion.”
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, added: “These eight projects’ foundations we are laying today are strong steps taken towards Turkish Airlines’ magnificent rise and its goal of becoming the world’s number one airline. With the second phase of the air cargo terminal SmartIST underway, the facility’s usage area will increase. The cargo handling capacity, currently at 2.2 million tons, will rise to 4.5 million tons, propelling Turkish Cargo to global leadership.
“These projects will further strengthen not only Turkish Airlines’ wings but also those of Türkiye’s economy. Within the scope of these major investments totalling TRY 100 billion, 26,000 new job opportunities will be generated in 2026, and our aviation ecosystem will continue to grow,” said Uraloğlu.
