65 horses head to Hong Kong: a glimpse into the logistics of transporting valuable animals
Special in-flight menus and dedicated in-flight butlers: these were just some of the extras laid on for 65 of the world's finest show-jumping horses, flying in for the inaugural Hong Kong International Horse Show, which took place earlier this year.
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The show marked the return of a large-scale equestrian event to the city after a six-year gap. Cathay Cargo, the show's official airline partner, managed the operation of bringing horses in from around the world – and most people attending the event remained blissfully unaware of the complex logistics required.
'This was going to be the largest consignment of horses we have ever moved on one flight,' said Christy Au, cargo duty officer for the cargo operation centre at the Cathay Cargo Terminal in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong-based company is the only carrier in Asia to hold the International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Live Animals accreditation. This certification is a testament to the quality of handling and transporting live animals, ensuring their safety and welfare.
Logistical challenge
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Logistics planning began in late 2024, involving teamwork from across the Cathay teams in Hong Kong and Europe, including cargo planning and flight operations. To minimise stress and travel time for the horses, the team designated two rendezvous points for boarding: Liège Airport in Belgium, a hub for horses journeying from across Europe; and London Heathrow.
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