A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF DECARBONIZING THE TURKISH AIR CARGO SECTOR

The aviation sector, which acts as a catalyst for tourism and the economy, is one of the sectors with the greatest environmental impact due to its high carbon emissions. Indeed, the fact that approximately 2-3% of human-caused CO₂ emissions originate from aviation, and the place of air cargo transportation within this structure, makes decarbonization of the sector critical. Accordingly, it is evident that efforts to reduce emissions in aviation should be addressed in a way that encompasses all areas of the sector. While most studies in the literature focus on passenger transportation, research on the air cargo sector is limited. Therefore, this study aims to determine the appropriate decarbonization strategies that the Turkish air cargo sector should follow within the scope of Turkey's 2053 net-zero carbon target. In this context, the current state of the sector was analyzed using the SWOT-based BWM method, and the strategies determined based on SWOT factors were prioritized using the fuzzy VIKOR method. The findings show that positioning IGA (Istanbul Grand Airport) as a green logistics hub, widespread adoption of SAF (Supplementary Air Frequency), and the development of green digital cargo management systems are priority strategies. Supporting these strategies with fleet modernization and operational efficiency will contribute to the sustainable transformation of the sector by reducing its carbon footprint. Consequently, this study presents a feasible and prioritized strategic roadmap for decarbonizing the Turkish air cargo sector, making significant contributions to both academic literature and industry practice.