Turkish Cargo selects Lödige Industries for SMARTIST 2.0 automation
| Company | Lödige Industries GmbH |
|---|---|
| Date | 15.07.2026 |
Photo Credit: Turkish Cargo
Leading the way in smart cargo operations
Istanbul / Paderborn, 15 July 2026 – 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 position as a leading global air cargo gateway. Lödige Industries, which already equipped the existing 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 automation and operational excellence,” says Björn Ussat, Director Airport Logistic Solutions 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 positions. The scale of the facility is extensive with nine 15 ft Elevating Transfer Vehicles and ten 15 ft transfer vehicles. Furthermore, the individually configured setup features twenty-three 10 ft Elevating Workstations and two 20 ft Elevating Workstations designed for ergonomic and efficient ULD handling. The solution is complemented by 22 tilting decks, 76 right-angle decks, two 20 ft 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 positions for in-house pallets measuring 1.2 by 1.2 meters. These components ensure continuous, high-throughput operations across the facility, guaranteeing timely and reliable processing of all cargo types.
About Turkish Cargo
Operating with the fleet of Turkish Airlines, including 526 aircraft (passenger aircraft and 28 freighters), Turkish Cargo provides air cargo service to more than 370 destinations, 113 of which are cargo destinations in 134 countries around the world. For more information, 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 logistics systems for warehouses and industry as well as lift solutions. With offices around the world Lödige Industries provides material handling solutions 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.
Contact
Loedige Industries GmbH
Wilhelm-Loedige-Str. 1
34414 Warburg
Germany
Wilhelm-Loedige-Str. 1
34414 Warburg
Germany
- +49 5642 702-0
