As 2016 rolls along Turkey continues to invest and expand its logistics footprint, leaving recent political unrest in the rearview mirror.
      Last week in Istanbul Logitrans held its tenth annual conference with more than 13,500 participants in attendance from 50 countries.
      From November 16–18, 2016, the show was conducted inside the expansive, well-equipped, accessible IFM Istanbul Expo Center located just off the main runways of Ataturk International Airport. There, 180 exhibitors from 26 nations gathered to network whilst presenting products and ideas.

Turkish Cargo Sets Record

      FlyingTypers spoke to Turkish Airlines VP Global Sales & Marketing Halit Anlatan about Logitrans and Istanbul 2016 emerging after what can rightfully be described as a challenging summer:
      “This event and its positive reporting of growing attendance underscores that Istanbul as a hub of the Eurasian and Africa market is firmly focused on the future.
      “Turkish Cargo continues to invest in our products and services.
      “Next year (2017) will see movement to the new Istanbul Grand Airport, which will eventually include our expanded and greatly enhanced cargo operation.
      “There is no backing down from our commitment to be among the top air cargo resources in the world,” Mr. Anlatan said.
      “For example, during September, when Turkish Cargo recorded 20 percent growth YOY, we also added twice weekly A330 freighters to our New York (JFK) services.
      “This month we are adding a weekly Chicago service via A330F Chicago (O’Hare) to Istanbul.
      “Looking ahead, 2017 will see our cargo services continue to grow including new frequencies and destinations in the Middle East,” Mr. Anlatan declared.

UTIKAD Welcome

      Turgut Erkeskin, (pictured here with publisher Geoffrey Arend) President of the Association of International Forwarding & Logistics Service Providers (UTIKAD) in Turkey said:
      “This event is great as we get to see both our customers and service partners together networking in one place.
      “Turkey is Europe’s seventh largest economy, so this week Istanbul business goes face to face at Logitrans with meetings that can drive our continued expansion on the international business front.
      “We welcome the opportunity to better understand the opportunities that our transportation industry offers,” Turgut said.
      Hasan Hatipoglu, General Manager of Lufthansa Cargo in Turkey added, “Every year we are very happy with the quantity and quality of the participants and the chance to meet with air cargo industry representatives.”
      Logitrans included the usual suspects in terms of panel discussions and lectures as well as a preview of the aforementioned new airport scheduled for a 2017 opening.

Takes A Tip From The Tulip

      Upon completion, Istanbul will boast not only the world’s largest airport, but also the biggest ‘greenfield’ airport on the planet. The new airport will feature expansive and advanced cargo and passenger facilities and other amenities to accelerate the shipping and airline experience.
      Amongst revelations of what some are describing as “The Grand Airport Istanbul” is the exquisite art of the new air traffic control tower designed by Pininfarina and AECOM.
      Among other efforts, some might remember that Pininfarina is responsible for the design of Ferrari automobiles.
      But driving a Pininfarina vision upward is a whole new ride.
      Even before ground was broken, the Istanbul ATC and Technical Building won an architecture award from the Chicago Athenaeum: European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
      A tulip inspired the tower’s design. Evocative of aerodynamic shapes, the tulip is a storied symbol of Turkey’s history and Istanbul’s rich cultural legacy.

World's Biggest Airport

      Istanbul’s New Airport opens for business in 2017.
      The architectural marvel is expected to accommodate 90 million by year-end 2017 (Phase 1) and 150 million by its estimated 2018 completion date.
      The $11.3 billion mega airport is located about 22 miles outside the city on the spacious northern end of Istanbul’s European side. Upon completion, it will be the largest airport in the world.

      The next Logitrans takes place in Istanbul from November 15–17, 2017.
Geoffrey/Sabiha