Turkmenistan Airlines becomes an active member of TIACA

Turkmenistan Airlines has received active member status in The International Air Cargo Association, connecting the national carrier to the global air freight community.

Why it matters. Air freight is one of the airline's principal businesses, and membership of TIACA places Turkmenistan Airlines alongside carriers, forwarders, airports and handlers from across the industry. It supports the exchange of standards and practice, and raises the visibility of Turkmenistan as a link on the routes between Europe and Asia.

The operation behind it. Cargo moves through the terminal at Ashgabat International Airport, the largest and most advanced facility of its kind in the region. The terminal covers 17,174 square metres, handles 200 tonnes of cargo per annum, and has its own approach road giving trucks and personnel direct access. Inside there is an air cargo ramp with five aircraft stands, separate export and import zones, cooling facilities, and dedicated storage for perishable goods, valuables, medicines, agricultural produce and livestock.

Handling is automated. An ETV system — Elevating Transfer Vehicle — moves palletised cargo between the ramp, the storage areas and the loading docks, with barcodes scanned at each stage into a central data centre. The import and export sections have four loading docks each, and the terminal includes an automated storage and retrieval system for enlarged unit load devices.

The fleet. Dedicated freighters comprise two Airbus A330-200P2F and two Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft. In 2023 Turkmenistan Airlines became the first operator in Central Asia to fly the A330-200P2F.

Getting in touch. Shipments can be tracked on our website using the eleven-digit code from the air waybill. For cargo enquiries, contact cargo@ashgabatairport.gov.tm or call +993 12 23-33-98.