Cathay Cargo flew 60 elite showjumping horses from Liege to Hong Kong on a 747 freighter for the Longines International Horse Show
Cathay Cargo has successfully transported around 60 elite showjumping horses from Europe to Hong Kong for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show.
Specialist teams at Cathay Cargo orchestrated a complex logistics operation to transport the horses on a 12-hour journey from Liège Airport in Belgium, which has well-equipped stabling facilities, to Hong Kong International Airport aboard a chartered Boeing 747 freighter.
The Boeing 747F's spacious maindeck and temperature-controlled environment provide optimal conditions for safe, comfortable long-haul travel, ensuring the horses arrive calm and competition-ready, the carrier said.
Dominic Perret, Cathay director Cargo, said: "Transporting these world-class equine athletes is both a privilege and a huge responsibility. We understand the pressure riders and owners face ahead of elite competition, which is why our role is to eliminate travel as a source of stress.
"Our expertise in live animal logistics has seen a year-on-year tonnage growth in this segment, and supporting this world-class event reinforces our position as the trusted partner for high-stakes animal transport."
As demand for live animal cargo continues to rise globally, Cathay Cargo is utilising its Live Animal solution that prioritises the comfort and welfare of animals and minimises travel time.
Cathay Cargo said IATA-compliant travel stalls ensure proper ventilation, space and safety; optimised routing minimises stops and transit time to reduce stress; and IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Live Animals certification upholds the highest welfare standards. Cathay Cargo is the first carrier in Asia to achieve CEIV Live Animals certification.
Flights are supported by expert human care, said Cathay Cargo. Horses benefit from priority ground handling and slow-speed tarmac transfers.
In the air, CEIV-certified crew monitor and adjust cargo-hold temperature and airflow, while professional grooms accompany the horses with full access to ensure their welfare throughout the journey.
The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show is taking place at AsiaWorld-Expo from 30 January to 1 February. Last year, Cathay Cargo flew about 70 horses to Hong Kong for the show.
The Show is owned by Clarion Events Asia Venture 1 Limited, and HPower is the appointed event delivery company
Jo Peck, event director at HPower International, said: "For an international event like this, the stakes are incredibly high — there’s no margin for uncertainty when dealing with equine athletes.
"That’s why we’re pleased to partner with Cathay Cargo for the second year, as they combine meticulous care and understanding of horses with the discipline of a world-class cargo operation. It’s the assurance and peace of mind they provide that means the riders and organisers can focus on the show.”
