Challenge Group is set to start scheduled operations from Istanbul Airport to Liège Airport at the end of the month, which will provide an airlink from Türkiye to Belgium with further connections to the rest of Europe, the US and the Far East.

Challenge Airlines will offer 240 tonnes of weekly capacity on two B747F flights each week starting 25 January. The inaugural freighter flight will see a mix of Türkiye’s main export products like garments, fabrics, and automotive parts from key international customers.

“As the world’s 29th largest exporter with one in two of its exports heading to Europe, Türkiye 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. The airport is a fitting pioneer for our planned Group expansion on the east side of the globe,” added Zak.

In view of its digital transformation, Challenge Group has partnered with MRO software provider Swiss-AS to digitize its internal aircraft maintenance procedures. The international air cargo consortium selected software solution AMOS to unite its three AOCs in Belgium, Israel and Malta as well as its line maintenance business unit Challenge Technic into one environment.