FedEx Inaugurates Global Air Transit Facility at Istanbul Airport, Elevating Türkiye’s Global Logistics Standing

Adopt biometric-based screening at the new facility to cut clearance times and boost security for every shipment; align access settings with a centralized, role-based model. This approach minimizes manual checks and accelerates handoffs between ground teams and air operations, delivering a reliable response to Türkiye’s growing global logistics role.

Operational groups, led by managers, coordinate on-ground and air-side tasks as the facility goes live. The team uses technologies to harmonize operations and monitor cargo remotely, integrating data from cameras, sensors, and biometric checks to deliver a swift response to exceptions, while keeping the workflow secure and adaptable.

The site spans roughly 120,000 square meters of physical space and sits close to multiple runways to speed turnarounds. It is designed to handle a broad mix of cargo–from high-priority cash flows to time-critical perishables–processing hundreds of thousands of consignments each month with automated sorting, loading, and evolving analytics guiding decisions.

From a financial and governance perspective, the facility strengthens settings for billing and cash flow through digital invoicing and secure payment rails. Shippers can settle charges digitally or on-site within controlled corridors, while a detailed audit trail supports rapid response to discrepancies and risk events.

Best practices from cairns and other global hubs inform Istanbul’s rollout. Training covers every employee and runs with a steady cadence, whilst managers assess live feedback on the floor and across place boundaries. The program prioritizes evolving security and logistics capabilities, ensuring teams can operate on the side with automation and remotely monitored systems as demand shifts.

Key capacity, layout, and automation features of the Istanbul Global Air Transit Facility

Recommendation: Adopt an integrated automation backbone linking inbound handling, sorting, screening, and outbound staging on a single site to maximize capacity, reduce dwell times, and strengthen reliability. This plan aligns with Turkey’s aviation strategy and sets clear milestones for express cargo throughput.

The facility centers on a central hub connected to four docking clusters and three satellite pods, enabling segregating inflows and outflows while maintaining fast transfer across zones. Target peak throughput rises by 25–35% compared with legacy operations, with dwell times shortened by up to 40% during peak periods and a reduction in handling errors by a similar margin. The layout supports rapid recovery from disruption through parallel recovery lines and cross-connecting belts that can be re-routed in minutes.

Automation features include four high-speed sort lines, automated pallet conveyors, and robotic palletization units designed to handle mixed express cargo efficiently. AI-assisted routing and real-time monitoring enable remotely managed operations and quick re-sequencing of loads. What-if planning is supported by edge data and predictive analytics, enabling operators to decide what path to take when variances arise.

The site uses segregating flows at entry to minimize cross-traffic, with a dedicated inbound quarantine zone and an outbound staging area to keep processing smooth. A recovery zone provides contingency space for late or misrouted consignments, and a rules-based sequencing engine ensures consistent precedence and risk controls. The plan includes easily adjustable space for seasonal surges and evolving regulatory requirements.

People and governance emphasize leadership and expertise: Kumar and Saggaf are nominated to oversee efforts, with a publication stream that shares SOPs, safety rules, and performance learnings with partners. The developments are inspiring to aviation leaders around Turkey. The integrated approach provides possibilities to expand into additional corridors and to adapt services as Turkey’s aviation sector grows. The initiative has contributed a practical blueprint for efficiencies in the broader region.

Operational privacy and user engagement are supported by a cookies policy on the operator portal, balancing data needs with user experience. Provided dashboards, incident logs, and training modules help site teams stay aligned, while the plan positions Istanbul as a model for integrated global air transit operations around the world.

Impact on global cargo routing and transit times with Istanbul as a hub

Prioritise Istanbul as the central hub for FedEx’s global air network to cut transit times and strengthen service resilience. This move establishes a clear path for faster transfers, especially on routes linking europe, the americas, and turkish hubs. There is a clear choice to align aircraft schedules, border settings, and staffing to minimize idle time at transfer points.

Operational settings and local capacity matter: the hatay facility sits at the intersection of europe and the eastern corridors, giving turkish operations a stronger link to both continental markets and the capital flows that fuel trade. By coordinating cargo handling, security screening, and customs clearance in these settings, we really improve predictability. The impact comes through in longer, green, low-variance pledges to customers and partners alike, with those improvements felt throughout the network.

Panel discussions with ilker, alicia, and khan underline a practical approach that strengthens cross-border collaboration. Those actions share lessons amongst places like cairns and hatay, offering a safer, more reliable option for shipments bound for the americas, europe, and beyond. The panel membership reinforces a consistent cadence for slot allocation, capacity sharing, and risk management, which helps there and everywhere. This framework is instrumental in turning strategy into measurable results, really inspiring for stakeholders and customers alike.

Operational implications

Strategic outlook

This approach strengthens the network as FedEx expands its global footprint. With a shared path across markets, operators can prioritise on-time performance and more predictable handling, even during peak seasons and post-pandemic recovery. The plan relies on disciplined slot management, clear capacity sharing, and close coordination with hatay operations and panel partners, including ilker, alicia, and khan, whose insights help calibrate the capital investment and membership decisions that frame expansion. Across throughout the network, customers will notice shorter lead times and steadier service in places from the americas to europe and the turkish market, fostering long-term collaboration amongst customers, carriers, and communities.

FedEx operations and technology integration at the new site (sorting, security, IT systems)

Implement a centralized sorting hub at istanbul with a unified IT backbone to maximize throughput from day one. Connect sorting rooms with modular automation lines and a real-time decision engine, ensuring parcels move easily from intake to outbound and across runways where cargo flights depart. This approach reduces manual touchpoints, raises accuracy, and supports transparent monthly analytics for leaders.

• Sorting and automation

  Establish three modular automation lines linked to the WMS and TMS core. Operators monitor flow from a central control room, while label scans feed the decision engine to route items by purpose and priority. Across shifts, the system maintains >99.9% sort accuracy and cuts dwell times by a meaningful margin, enabling the site to explore higher volumes without sacrificing speed. Cutting-edge conveyors and compact sorters are designed to scale as volumes grow, and the solution is easily adjustable to handle different parcel mixes–from letters to large packages.

• Security architecture

  Build layered security around all critical zones: entry points, sorting rooms, and IT closets. Use multi-factor access control, CCTV coverage, and tamper-evident seals, with secure rooms housing core servers and key network gear. A dedicated security operations workflow overseen by the security team ensures incident response within minutes, while transparent handoffs between stations keep mission-critical processes protected and auditable.

• IT systems and integration

  Deploy cloud-enabled, API-first integrations across the transport management system, warehouse management system, and ERP. Real-time data flows empower decision-makers and frontline supervisors, with dashboards that surface throughput, accuracy, and anomaly alerts. The architecture supports a modular data layer and a robust cybersecurity program, including a 24/7 security operations center and routine penetration testing. Cash-outlay tracking and cost analytics feed back into monthly planning, helping leaders prioritise investments that deliver the most value.

• Data governance and transparency

  Capabilities are designed to provide transparent visibility into every stage of the parcel journey. Standardized metrics–throughput by hour, mis-scan rate, on-time departure, and exception reasons–are published to a common portal used by those who oversee the operation. This approach makes it easier to compare performance with benchmarks from other sites and to identify where improvements contribute to the overall goal.

• People, training, advising

  Train operators in a hands-on program that emphasizes safety, accuracy, and rapid decision-making. Advising inputs from local leaders and partners, including Saggaf, help tune workflows for the Istanbul environment. Monthly coaching sessions reinforce best practices, while cross-functional teams explore enhancements that reduce manual handling and improve service levels across the network.

• Implementation cadence and alignment

  The rollout follows a clear plan: Phase 1 focuses on sorting rooms and base automation; Phase 2 scales IT integrations and security controls; Phase 3 optimizes cross-site data sharing and reporting. Those decisions become measurable results, with benchmarks aligned to the site’s purpose and a consistent position for ongoing oversight by the global operations leaders. The approach is designed to be repeatable, enabling the facility to become a blueprint for future expansions in istanbul and beyond.

The combined emphasis on cutting technologies, automated sorting, secure rooms, and integrated IT systems establishes a robust framework that supports a transparent, data-driven operation. By prioritising across functions and maintaining a clear goal, FedEx can easily translate digital improvements into tangible performance gains, ensuring the istanbul facility stands as a strong position within the world’s logistics network and a model for continuous, scalable growth.

Projected economic and employment effects for Istanbul and Türkiye from the new facility

Invest immediately in Istanbul-focused hiring and upskilling programs to unlock the facility’s full economic potential. fedex will deploy local talent through targeted recruitment, apprenticeships, and team-building initiatives, delivering up to 6,000 direct jobs in the first two years and as many as 18,000 total positions across related roles, with personal development tracks to raise skills over time; therefore, the region gains a steady pipeline of qualified staff who stay and grow with the operation, and this helps them advance into higher responsibility.

The economic ripple should extend beyond wages. The facility boosts freight throughput at the Istanbul hub, strengthens Türkiye’s logistics corridors, and sparks growth in developing regions connected by air and freight networks. Since the project connects Türkiye to global markets, it accelerates cross-border trade and investment. Analysts project roughly a 0.2-0.5 percentage point lift to Türkiye’s GDP over five years, with freight volumes expanding 25-30% in the Marmara region and adjacent regions. This program helps Türkiye develop more balanced regional growth. This outcome makes the project more resilient.

The biggest employment impact comes from sustainable, local fill of roles such as freight handling, automation maintenance, IT systems, and medical readiness staff. The build requires deploying automation alongside human skills, and fedex will partner with local universities and technical centers to develop capabilities. Teams from bangalore and washington will support training and continuous improvement, while saggaf leads Türkiye’s implementation to align with national priorities and the company’s global standards. The program also trains them for advanced maintenance and IT tasks, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified technicians.

Social value and fairness drive implementation: the program prioritizes inclusive hiring, retention, and professional development across diverse backgrounds, including veterans and women. Policymakers encouraged broad participation in regions where unemployment has been high, and the project includes a victims-support component to help those affected by prior supply-chain shocks. The choice of local suppliers and partners also favors small and mid-size firms, strengthening community resilience and creating personal growth paths for entrants into logistics.

Health and safety underpin all operations: sanitisation, covidsafe protocols, and medical readiness for workers, while maintaining a healthy work environment and stress-free logistics. The plan emphasizes personal welfare, clean facilities, and continuous hygiene audits to sustain trust with staff, suppliers, and customers. This approach supports a sustainable, long-term workforce rather than short-term hires.

Operational strategies and metrics: The project tracks direct jobs, indirect employment, regional distribution, and freight volumes through Istanbul’s hub. The biggest gains will come from diversification of the workforce and the steady expansion of air-freight capacity across Türkiye. The initiative supports regions where growth has lagged and helps developing corridors connect to global markets. FedEx teams in bangalore and washington coordinate knowledge transfer, while saggaf champions local engagement and transparency in reporting. what success looks like is clear: steady job creation, durable partnerships, and measurable increases in freight and regional activity.

TF Green 2025 growth indicators: metrics of America’s fastest-growing airport

Agree on a 2025 growth plan founded on biometric-based screening, airside coordination, and green energy investments to lift throughput, safety, and passenger experience across all touchpoints.

Forecasted TF Green 2025 growth indicators project 3.2 million total passengers (up 12% year-over-year from 2024), cargo throughput 520,000 metric tons (up 9%), and 210,000 aircraft movements (up 8%). On-time performance is targeted at 94%, and energy use per passenger-kilometer is expected to fall by 18% as terminal efficiency improves and solar fields expand, with the metric remained robust through peak season.

Technology deployments focus on biometric-based gates at security and airside checkpoints, AI-assisted baggage handling, real-time passenger flow dashboards, and mobile-enabled service touchpoints. These technologies shorten queues, improve safety, and support officer and contractor workflows on the airside, lowering disease-transmission risk and enabling safer operations at the crossroads of movement and access.

Coordination with organisations under the 1nuunited framework strengthens data sharing, maintenance planning, and staff training. Establish clear terms for information exchange, uptime guarantees, and joint procurement for sensors, smart gates, and energy equipment. The collar of standard safety procedures guides all frontline teams as the operation scales, aligning with large companys across routes and destinations.

Destination-focused improvements include seamless wayfinding, reliable ground transport links, and enhanced customer service channels. With a large-scale operation, TF Green must maintain consistent throughput during seasonal spikes while protecting green goals through efficient energy use, waste diversion, and green procurement policies.

Uncertain macro conditions demand adaptability and proactive risk governance. Build modular infrastructure, reserve critical parts, and run scenario drills with airside teams and security officers. Regular coordination meetings will lock in practices that keep the airport resilient, from disease prevention to security screening to cargo movement, ensuring TF Green remains a destination of choice for airlines and travellers alike.

Drivers behind TF Green’s 2025 expansion: investments, partnerships, and route development

Invest in a phased plan that aligns investments, partnerships, and route development to deliver TF Green’s 2025 milestones.

Investment framework and funding

This plan comes with a three-year investments framework and a diversified funding mix: public grants, private capital, and co-investments with airport and logistics partners. The investments cover land expansion, stand and taxiway upgrades, and the implementation of technologies that boost efficiency, safety, and data-driven decision making. An ensured portion of funding supports environmental safeguards, noise mitigation, and compliant land-use practices in line with legislation and directives. A nominated governance board, including guardians from aviation, business, and community groups, will oversee milestones across the period. Companys across the supply chain participated in planning to ensure practical implementation. This approach will build a scalable platform and implementing cross-functional processes, enhancing resilience and capacity in a growing market landscape. Milestones covered by the governance framework will be tracked transparently. Funding can be arranged in the form of blended instruments to balance risk and return. This plan uses a performance-based budgeting model to generate payback through faster turnaround times and expanded cargo capacity, building comfortable outcomes for lenders and investors. The funding approach aims to unlock vast capacity growth and really improve reliability for customers, while budapest market studies validate cross-border demand.

Route development and partnerships

Route development will follow a disciplined plan to add three to five direct destinations per year, prioritizing high-yield origins and cargo corridors within vast networks. Focus on balanced growth across domestic and international routes, with a clear destination roster including business hubs and leisure markets. Use partnerships through code-share and interline agreements to extend the TF Green network while keeping costs predictable and service levels high. Build the network in the form of a core set of reliable links and a flexible expansion layer that can respond to seasonal demand, including connections to the budapest region as a key test market. Align growth with environmental safeguards and land-use compliance, and embed the directives from aviation authorities into every rollout. A nominated group of airline and logistics partners will participate in route planning, with guardians monitoring performance, safety, and customer experience. The companys role in ground handling, cargo logistics, and partner coordination ensures end-to-end coverage from origin to destination, while data-driven investment supports efficient, comfortable operations across the network.