Central Asia’s emergence as a key hub in global air logistics is creating new opportunities for carriers to expand their operations and market share. Turkish Airlines, with its established network and strategic location in Istanbul, is positioning itself to capitalise on the growing demand for air cargo services in the region. 

Mehmet Emin Arıdic, Uzbekistan Country Cargo Manager for Turkish Airlines, highlighted Uzbekistan’s potential as a cornerstone of the modern Silk Road in the Sky: “Uzbekistan’s geographic location and its integration into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provide Turkish Airlines with a unique opportunity to bridge Asia and Europe more efficiently,” Arıdic stated. “Our operations in Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, are a critical part of our strategy to boost air cargo capacity and capture a larger share of this dynamic market.”

Growth in the region

Uzbekistan’s location at the crossroads of China and Europe has been revitalised by the rise of the BRI and growing e-commerce demand. As one of the most accessible gateways in Central Asia, Uzbekistan offers seamless connectivity for transhipment and direct air cargo flows. The country’s commitment to developing logistics infrastructure, including airport modernisation and free economic zones, has made it an attractive market for global carriers.

“Uzbekistan has demonstrated remarkable progress in becoming a regional logistics hub,” Arıdic noted. “Its infrastructure and strategic initiatives align well with Turkish Airlines’ goals of enhancing connectivity across the Silk Road in the sky.”

Expanding role

Turkish Airlines has long positioned Istanbul as a global hub, connecting East and West through its extensive flight network. The carrier’s air cargo division benefits from this strategic advantage, using its Istanbul hub as a transit point for goods originating in China, destined for Europe and Africa.

Uzbekistan plays a pivotal role in Turkish Airlines’ Central Asian strategy. Currently, the airline operates both passenger and freighter services from Tashkent, leveraging belly cargo capacity and dedicated freighters to transport a variety of goods, including textiles, electronics, and e-commerce.

“Turkish Airlines’ operations from Uzbekistan contribute a significant portion to our market share in Central Asia,” Arıdic explained. “Approximately 15% of our regional air cargo capacity is tied to belly cargo and transhipments out of Uzbekistan, and we expect this figure to grow as demand increases.”

Driving demand

The global e-commerce boom has been a transformative force in logistics, and Central Asia is no exception. With China dominating manufacturing and e-commerce exports, air cargo has become indispensable for moving high-value and time-sensitive goods. Uzbekistan, situated close to key Chinese production hubs, is ideally placed to serve as a transit point for shipments to Europe.

Arıdic highlighted the importance of this dynamic. “China is not just a driver of demand; it’s shaping the future of air cargo logistics. By integrating Uzbekistan into our network, Turkish Airlines is better positioned to serve the growing e-commerce market and reduce transit times for shipments between Asia and Europe.”

Leveraging Istanbul as a gateway

Istanbul’s strategic location enables Turkish Airlines to offer comprehensive transhipment services, connecting goods from Central Asia to Europe, North America, and Africa. Uzbekistan’s proximity to Istanbul ensures that goods can be quickly consolidated and forwarded to their final destinations.

“Transhipment is a key component of our air cargo strategy,” Arıdic said. “By leveraging Istanbul as a global hub, we’re able to offer faster and more cost-effective solutions to our customers, ensuring that Central Asia is seamlessly connected to global markets.”

Market prospects

The development of air cargo infrastructure in Uzbekistan, including upgraded cargo terminals and integrated logistics zones, is expected to further boost the country’s appeal to international carriers. These developments align with Turkish Airlines’ expansion goals, providing the capacity needed to handle increased cargo volumes.

“Uzbekistan’s focus on logistics infrastructure development is a positive sign for the industry,” Arıdic commented. “As these projects come to fruition, Turkish Airlines will be well-positioned to capture additional market share.”

Despite the promising outlook, challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles, competition from other carriers, and the need for greater digitalisation in logistics processes. However, Turkish Airlines is addressing these challenges through strategic partnerships, investments in technology, and a customer-centric approach.

“The air cargo industry is evolving rapidly, and adaptability is key,” Arıdic said. “Turkish Airlines is committed to staying ahead of the curve by aligning our operations with market trends and customer expectations.”

Promising future

Turkish Airlines’ focus on Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian region reflects the growing importance of these markets in global logistics. By integrating Uzbekistan into its extensive network, the carrier is poised to benefit from the region’s strategic location, booming e-commerce sector, and improving infrastructure.

As Arıdic concluded, “Central Asia is not just a transit region; it’s becoming a centre of gravity for global trade. Turkish Airlines is proud to be a part of this transformation, connecting people, businesses, and economies through our air cargo services.”