Package delivery giants FedEx and DHL move to expanded air cargo hubs along Europe's periphery

FedEx Corp. has opened a new cargo terminal at Istanbul International Airport, while DHL Express has moved into a larger terminal at Helsinki Airport.

At Istanbul, the new FedEx terminal is four times the size of the previous operation. The facility boasts direct aircraft access to Helsinki airport's apron, ensuring faster aircraft loading and offloading. The terminal includes two parking spots for FedEx aircraft and 70% more parking for truck trailers.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by FedEx CEO, Raj Subramaniam. The new terminal operates 30 flights per week between Turkey and markets in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Three automated high-speed x-ray machines with image-reading software and artificial intelligence are present for fast security screening of shipments.

Meanwhile, at Helsinki Airport, DHL Express invested 100 million euros ($117 million) in a new 172,200-square foot air gateway. The new terminal features energy-efficient elements such as geothermal heating and solar power. It is triple the size of DHL's previous terminal, offering twice the space for moving and storing shipments.

The new terminal includes advanced x-ray scanning equipment for airfreight and an automated sorting system that can handle up to 6,500 packages per hour, a significant increase from the previous 1,500 packages per hour. There are 90 vehicle bays for direct package loading, all equipped with electric vehicle charging points.

Oktay Nuri, managing director at DHL Express Finland, stated that the investment supports growth and helps Finnish companies reach international markets. No specific information about the markets served by the new DHL terminal was provided. The first customer deliveries from the new DHL terminal at Helsinki Airport are scheduled to begin in October.

DHL Express also invested approximately 15 million euros in the new air freight gateway at Helsinki Airport. The high-tech sorting technology in the new DHL terminal is capable of processing up to 7,000 pieces per hour. No new information about FedEx operations was provided in the announcement.

Package delivery giants FedEx and DHL move to expanded air cargo hubs along Europe's periphery