Çelebi Aviation expands with new cargo terminal in Kualanamu

With over 65 years of experience, operating across 3 continents, 6 countries, and 70 stations worldwide, Çelebi Aviation is bringing its globally trusted service standards to Indonesia through the new cargo terminal in Kualanamu. Following its initial entry into the Indonesian market with ground handling, the company is now building on this foundation by adding cargo services, reaffirming its commitment to growth. Çelebi Aviation sees Indonesia as a key driver in its Southeast Asia strategy and aims to contribute to the country’s long-term development in aviation and logistics.

Located in Medan, North Sumatra, Kualanamu International Airport serves as a vital 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.

Modern infrastructure for complex cargo needs

The terminal spans a total area of 8,000 m² and handled 58,000 tons of cargo last year. Equipped with infrastructure suitable for cold chain logistics and the transport of dangerous goods, the facility will undergo a phased development program to further enhance service quality and regulatory compliance. 

Çelebi Aviation will offer a broad range of services covering international, domestic, and transit cargo. Specialized solutions will be available for categories such as dangerous goods, perishables, pharmaceuticals, live animals, valuables, sensitive cargo, and human remains. Express and e-commerce cargo, warehousing, documentation, multimodal logistics, and integrated customs solutions will ensure seamless supply chain operations.

The terminal has been designed with a modern technological infrastructure. The implementation of an Advanced Warehouse Management System will provide real-time tracking, stage alerts, and end-to-end cargo visibility. The integration of digital tools such as handheld devices, barcode scanners, e-AWB systems, and AI-supported customer service will improve operational efficiency and responsiveness. Security will be maximized through advanced systems including CCTV monitoring, X-ray scanning, ETD scanners, and biometric access control.

Çelebi Aviation’s Group CEO Dave Dorner said the launch in Kualanamu marks a strategic milestone for the company. “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.”

Murali Ramachandran, President for India & Southeast Asia at Çelebi Aviation, added that the company aims to foster long-term partnerships in the region “We are pleased to collaborate with stakeholders in the KNO cargo ecosystem. Our goal is to strengthen the airport’s connectivity, increase cargo volumes, and help establish Sumatra as a central logistics hub. We remain committed to collaborating closely with all stakeholders to drive the aim of the National Logistics Ecosystem (NLE) initiatives and guidelines. At the same time, we are streamlining operational processes to enhance efficiency, reduce procedural timelines, and deliver measurable savings in both cost and time.”

Kedar Deshpande, Director Commercial & Business Development PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi 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 terminal will support the operations of a broad portfolio of airlines including Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air Group, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Saudia, AirAsia Group, and Susi Air.

Empowering local talent

Initially, operations will be managed almost entirely by local talent, except for short-term international support. To ensure world-class service delivery and ongoing knowledge transfer, a comprehensive training and development program is being implemented.

As the new cargo terminal operator at Kualanamu, Çelebi Aviation aims to shape the region’s air cargo future through local partnerships and global standards. Value-added services to be offered include road-feeder transportation solutions, accelerated import deliveries, express export acceptance, Envirotainer stock, pet transport assistance, and ULD repair services. These services are designed to set new benchmarks in both speed and customer-centricity. In line with its sustainability approach, the company will also prioritize eco-friendly practices such as paperless EDI processes and energy-efficient facility solutions.