Challenge Airlines to commence scheduled services out of Istanbul

The freighter will carry a mix of Turkey main export products: garments, fabrics, and automotive parts, all from key international customers.

This event signifies the start of Challenge Airlines’ first scheduled operations out of Istanbul Airport, linking Turkey to Liège in Belgium, and from there to destinations across Europe, as well as to the U.S. and Far East.

From the end of this month onwards, Challenge Airlines will operate two Boeing 747F flights per week – on Days 3 and 7 - totalling a joint capacity uplift offer of 240 tons.

“As the world’s 29th largest exporter with one in two of its exports heading to Europe, Turkey is a significant contributor to global trade, and Challenge Group, with our established Liège hub at heart of Europe, is a perfect business fit,” said Or Zak, commercial vice president of Challenge Group. “Some 3 million metric tons are handled at Turkish airports each year. Istanbul, in particular, is deservedly making its way up the international cargo airports ranking ladder, and has long been of strategic interest to us.”