Turkish Airlines has launched a TRY 100 billion investment programme to expand cargo, maintenance, catering, digital and training infrastructure, primarily at Istanbul Airport. Aligned with its 2033 vision, the initiative will strengthen Türkiye’s role as a global aviation hub, create up to 36,000 jobs and support the airline’s ambition to operate one of the world’s largest fleets. (Image: Turkish Airlines)
Turkish Airlines09 January 2026
Turkish Airlines has unveiled a sweeping new investment programme valued at more than TRY 100 billion, marking one of the most ambitious infrastructure expansion initiatives in its history. The programme is designed to reinforce Türkiye’s position as a global aviation hub while accelerating the airline’s long-term growth strategy aligned with its 2033 vision.
As part of the initiative, foundation-laying ceremonies were held for eight major new facilities across multiple locations, with a strong concentration at Istanbul Airport, the airline’s main operational base and one of the world’s busiest international hubs. The developments span cargo, maintenance, catering, digital infrastructure, logistics and workforce training.
The ceremony at Istanbul Airport brought together the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat, senior executives from the airline and its subsidiaries, and key figures from Türkiye’s aviation sector.
Speaking at the event, Minister Uraloğlu described the investments as a defining moment for Turkish aviation, stating that the projects would elevate the national carrier’s global standing while delivering significant economic impact. He highlighted the expansion of Turkish Cargo’s SmartIST air cargo terminal, noting that its capacity will double from 2.2 million tonnes to 4.5 million tonnes annually, positioning Turkish Cargo among the world’s leading air freight operators. The Minister added that the programme is expected to create approximately 26,000 new jobs in 2026 alone, strengthening both the aviation ecosystem and the wider economy.
Prof. Ahmet Bolat emphasized that Turkish Airlines’ growth ambitions extend far beyond fleet expansion. He noted that the carrier is simultaneously building the industrial, technical and digital foundations needed to support a rapidly growing global network. According to Bolat, the investment programme will generate 36,000 jobs once all phases are completed and significantly boost the airline’s contribution to the Turkish economy. He added that Turkish Airlines currently contributes around USD 65 billion annually to the national economy, a figure projected to rise to USD 144 billion once the company achieves its 2033 targets.
Key Investment Projects
The investment programme focuses on strengthening Turkish Airlines’ leadership in cargo, maintenance, catering and digital operations:
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Turkish Cargo SmartIST Phase 2
Set to become one of the world’s largest air cargo facilities, SmartIST Phase 2 will increase annual handling capacity to 4.5 million tonnes. The expansion is scheduled for phased completion between 2027 and 2028 and supports Türkiye’s ambition to become a global logistics powerhouse bridging Europe, Asia and Africa. -
Main Catering Facility
Planned as one of the world’s largest in-flight catering centers, the new facility will be capable of serving more than 500,000 passengers per day. Operations are expected to begin between 2027 and 2028, supporting Turkish Airlines’ rapidly expanding long-haul network. -
Turkish Technic Engine Maintenance Center
Targeted for completion in 2027, the new center will rank among Europe’s largest next-generation engine maintenance facilities. It will service advanced Rolls-Royce engines including the Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97 and Trent 7000, reinforcing Turkish Technic’s role as a global MRO provider. -
Additional Aircraft Maintenance Hangars
Scheduled for completion in 2026, new hangars will enable the simultaneous maintenance of 12 aircraft, increasing overall maintenance capacity by approximately 20% and supporting fleet growth. -
E-Commerce and Logistics Complex
Planned to enter service in 2026, the new complex strengthens Turkish Airlines’ digital logistics ambitions through Widect, its integrated “door-to-door” cargo solutions platform, enhancing its role in global e-commerce supply chains. -
Istanbul Data Center
Expected to be operational between 2027 and 2028, the data center will serve as the digital backbone for operational continuity, featuring high-security infrastructure and advanced data management to support growing digital and AI-driven operations. -
Flight Training Center (Phase 1)
Scheduled for 2026–2027, the facility underlines Turkish Airlines’ investment in human capital, supporting pilot and crew training as the airline expands its fleet and route network. -
Additional Crew Terminal Building
Planned for completion in 2026, the new terminal will streamline operational flows between flight crews, ground services and maintenance, improving efficiency at scale.
A Strategic Aviation Ecosystem
Collectively, these projects form an integrated growth model that expands operational capacity, strengthens technical and digital infrastructure, and supports workforce development. They align with Turkish Airlines’ ambition to operate one of the world’s five largest aircraft fleets by its centennial year in 2033.
Beyond strengthening the airline itself, the investments are designed to reinforce Türkiye’s role as a global aviation, logistics and connectivity hub — supporting international trade, tourism and economic growth across multiple regions.
By laying the groundwork today, Turkish Airlines is not only expanding infrastructure but building a long-term aviation ecosystem capable of supporting global leadership for decades to come.
Source: Turkihs Airines / GLO
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