FedEx has opened a new “global air transit facility” at Istanbul Airport as Turkey emerges as a “global air cargo powerhouse” and a key hub for cross-border e-commerce.
The facility measures 25,300 sq m and provides air gateway functions, integrated customs clearance teams and office support. Technologies on offer at the facility include an automated sorting system, security screening, and capabilities to handle dangerous goods.
It has three-times the sorting capacity of FedEx’s previous facility, being able to process up to 7,000 packages per hour. Additionally, there are three automated x-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence to ”further enhance the speed, accuracy, and security of shipment screening”.
In a press release, FedEx stressed the importance of Istanbul at “the crossroads of east and west”.
“Situated at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Istanbul is uniquely positioned to serve as a strategic logistics hub,” FedEx said. ”This new facility connects Turkey with 30 weekly FedEx flights to and from key markets in the US, Europe and the Middle East and provides capacity for future network growth through the region.
”The location further integrates the global FedEx air network into the FedEx road network, one of the largest in the region, linking 45 countries and handling 1.3m shipments weekly.”
The express firm added that Istanbul Airport was last year Europe’s busiest air cargo hub and handled nearly 2m tons of cargo, up 24% year on year.
“This new facility in Istanbul is a strategic move for FedEx, further integrating our global air and ground networks and delivering the scale and flexibility our customers need in a dynamic trade environment,” said FedEx chief operating officer Richard Smith.
“It is also a key step in unleashing the power of our combined networks to create long-term value and capture growth in the global airfreight market.”
Selahattin Bilgen, chief executive officer, iGA Istanbul Airport, said: “This major investment strengthens our position as a key player in global cargo and e-commerce operations and supports our long-term vision of becoming a world-leading airport in air cargo, with a targeted handling capacity of over 5m tons.
”It’s a great pleasure to welcome FedEx as a strategic partner in our ambitious growth plans, and we look forward to building on this collaboration in the months and years ahead.”
