As the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ), we take great pride in contributing to our nation’s rise to an esteemed and highly respected position in global civil aviation during what is often referred to as the "golden age" of Turkish aviation. Drawing strength from its nearly century-long history and its spirit of innovation, DHMİ has not only improved the physical conditions of existing airports, transforming them into modern facilities, but has also endowed Türkiye with magnificent airports and new terminal buildings characterized by outstanding architecture, operational excellence, advanced technological infrastructure, and numerous other superior qualities. In addition to these significant accomplishments, DHMİ has become a global brand across all its operational domains through its implementation of various passenger- and environment-friendly projects. Our airports have been honored with numerous prestigious awards in various categories across Europe and the world. The successes we have achieved serve as our source of inspiration as we work towards carrying civil aviation into the future with a renewed vision in alignment with the "Century of Türkiye." Civil aviation, one of the most crucial pillars of this grand vision, is a dynamic sector that continuously evolves in parallel with global scientific and technological advancements, serving as a lifeline for national economies. As an institution, we conduct our operations in full compliance with international standards, prioritizing safety and security. With this awareness, we have developed a strong capacity for adaptation, continuously reinforcing our aviation infrastructure. In this regard, we are rapidly implementing initiatives that will allow us to maximize Türkiye’s potential in air cargo transportation, a field of growing importance in light of global developments in telecommunications and internet technologies, digital transformation, and the continuous rise of the e-commerce sector. Recognizing the critical role air cargo operations play in ensuring the sustainability of global trade, we have incorporated the construction of cargo terminals and aprons within our expansion projects at key airports such as Istanbul, Antalya, and Ankara Esenboğa, as well as at other airports where needed. Furthermore, we are making the necessary arrangements in runways, aprons, and taxiway areas to ensure compliance with international standards for air cargo transportation. In this regard, we are rapidly implementing initiatives that will allow us to maximize Türkiye’s potential in air cargo transportation, a field of growing importance in light of global developments in telecommunications and internet technologies, digital transformation, and the continuous rise of the e-commerce sector. Recognizing the critical role air cargo operations play in ensuring the sustainability of global trade, we have incorporated the construction of cargo terminals and aprons within our expansion projects at key airports such as Istanbul, Antalya, and Ankara Esenboğa, as well as at other airports where needed. Furthermore, we are making the necessary arrangements A message by Enes Çakmak DHMI Chairman of the Board and Director General 8 in runways, aprons, and taxiway areas to ensure compliance with international standards for air cargo transportation. To further expand and enhance air cargo operations nationwide, we provide the necessary support for authorized cargo agents, ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of a vast service network, from warehouse and storage area allocations to ground handling services and security protocols. Additionally, we remain committed to contributing to national and international efforts on environmental sustainability in air cargo operations and continue to conduct our activities with utmost sensitivity in this regard. As a result of our initiatives, Türkiye has achieved significant success in air cargo traffic. A striking example from Türkiye’s nationwide air traffic statistics for 2024 reveals that the total cargo traffic of 2,166,797 tons represents a notable 29.7% increase compared to 2023. Moreover, our source of pride, Istanbul Airport, has been recognized as the largest cargo airport in Europe with 1.97 million tons of cargo movement in 2024, according to the European air traffic data published by the Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE). At the same time, we are well aware that Türkiye holds even greater potential in air cargo transportation, thanks to its strategic location and the advancements it has made in civil aviation. In this regard, one of our primary objectives is to transform Istanbul Airport into a cargo-friendly hub and an e-commerce center while increasing its cargo capacity from 4 million to 6.5 million tons. Moreover, we are accelerating our efforts to enhance intermodal transportation models, including the establishment of railway connections to airports with high cargo growth potential, alongside other initiatives aimed at modernizing air cargo operations and ensuring their sustainable growth. In this context, the First ICAO Global Air Cargo Summit serves as a significant platform that brings together stakeholders from various segments of the air cargo industry, enabling in-depth discussions and evaluations on key topics such as operational efficiency, cost management, safety, and security in air cargo transportation. With the firm belief that this Summit will foster the development of new ideas and solutions for the advancement of global air cargo transportation, as well as pave the way for new collaborations, I extend my best wishes for success to all participants. I would also like to express my gratitude to ICAO and all those who have contributed to the organization of this event.