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Turkish Airlines Unveils Ambitious TRY 100 Billion Aviation Infrastructure Plan

Turkish Airlines has announced a transformative investment program exceeding TRY 100 billion (approximately US$2.3 billion) aimed at dramatically expanding Türkiye's aviation infrastructure. This massive initiative is a cornerstone of the airline's long-term strategy to become one of the world's leading global carriers by 2033.

Strategic Scope and Key Objectives

The investment encompasses eight major facility developments designed to create an integrated aviation ecosystem. The core goals are to strengthen operational capacity, improve efficiency across all service areas, and significantly enhance the airline's global competitiveness. The projects span cargo, maintenance, digital services, and crew operations.

"This investment forms the backbone of our integrated aviation ecosystem, directly supporting our strategic vision for 2033. It is not just an expansion, but a fundamental enhancement of our capabilities across the entire value chain," stated Turkish Airlines.

Major Projects in the Pipeline

The comprehensive plan includes several high-capacity, state-of-the-art facilities scheduled for completion over the next few years:

• Turkish Cargo SmartIST Complex (Phase 2): Planned for 2027–2028, this expansion will elevate annual cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons, positioning Istanbul among the world's largest air cargo hubs.
• Turkish Technic Engine Maintenance Center: A new facility scheduled for 2027, designed to service next-generation Rolls-Royce engines, alongside additional aircraft maintenance hangars (2026) that will boost overall maintenance capacity by approximately 20%.
• Supporting Infrastructure: The program also includes an e-commerce logistics complex (2026), a dedicated Istanbul Data Center for digital operations, a large-scale inflight catering facility, a new flight training center, and an additional crew terminal for optimized operational flow.

Economic and Operational Impact

The scale of this investment is expected to have a substantial impact on both the airline's operations and the local economy:

1. Job Creation: The projects are projected to create around 26,000 jobs in 2026, with the number rising to approximately 36,000 upon full completion.
2. Capacity & Efficiency: The targeted increases in cargo handling and maintenance capacity are critical to supporting fleet growth and reducing operational downtime.
3. Digital Transformation: The new data center underscores the airline's commitment to leveraging digital infrastructure for future growth and resilience.

Important Note: The realization of these projects is subject to market conditions, regulatory approvals, and supply chain dynamics. Timelines are estimates and may be adjusted.

By building this comprehensive ecosystem, Turkish Airlines is making a definitive move to secure its position as a global aviation leader, with Istanbul solidified as a premier international logistics and travel hub.