Çelebi Aviation – which operates across three continents, six countries and 70 stations worldwide – said it sees the country as a key driver in its Southeast Asia strategy.
It added that it aims to contribute to the Indonesia’s long-term development in aviation and logistics.
The company initially entered this market with ground handling services last year and is now expanding to cargo services.
Located in Medan, North Sumatra, Kualanamu Airport serves as a key logistics hub for the export of fisheries, agriculture and plantation-based products in the Sumatra region and across Indonesia.
It also supports the fast-growing regional economy and acts as a strategic bridge between Indonesia and key markets such as Singapore and Malaysia.
The cargo terminal, which spans a total area of 8,000 sqm, handled 58,000 tons of cargo last year as it commenced operations.
Equipped with infrastructure suitable for cold chain logistics and the transport of dangerous goods, the facility is to undergo a phased development programme to further enhance service quality and regulatory compliance.
Çelebi Aviation will offer a broad range of services covering international, domestic and transit cargo from the new location.
Specialised solutions will be available for categories such as dangerous goods, perishables, pharmaceuticals, live animals, valuables, sensitive cargo and human remains.
Çelebi Aviation Group CEO Dave Dorner said: “The launch of our operations in Kualanamu marks a proud and strategic moment for us. We are beginning a new chapter in a high-potential market like Indonesia.
“Our cargo terminal at KNO is strategically located to support trade and logistics in the Sumatra region and we are committed to delivering the highest standards of operational excellence to meet the needs of this critical local market.”
PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi Director Commercial & Business Development Kedar Deshpande said: “We’re excited to bring globally expertise of Çelebi to drive the air cargo potential of Medan and surrounding areas to the next level.
“All stakeholders in the air cargo value chain in Medan as well as broader North Sumatra province will benefit from improved air cargo terminal operations in the coming days, with the latest technology, infrastructure and process deployment that our partner brings.”
The cargo terminal supports the operations of a growing portfolio of airlines including Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air Group, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Saudia, AirAsia Group and Susi Air.