Magma Aviation and Intradco Global have transported 34 endurance horses from Liège, Belgium to AlUla, Saudi Arabia for the AlFursan Endurance Cup.
Endurance horses are extremely valuable and therefore air transport operations must ensure the best service and care.
The equine transport operation required special attention at each stage, including pre-flight operations, to ensure a comfortable, stress-free environment for the horses, while maintaining effective communications, said Magma parent Avia Solutions Group.
This started with choosing the correct horse stall for transport and ensuring wooden shavings were laid on the floor for the horse’s comfort and to absorb urine.
The pilots and loadmasters worked closely with the grooms, ensuring that the horse stalls were loaded correctly, facing forward, and secured properly. This is essential for the aircraft balance and horses’ well-being, stressed Avia.
The specialists were tasked with ensuring a comfortable temperature with suitable ventilation within the cargo hold. Professional in-flight grooms provided freshwater access for the horses and hay throughout the flight.
During the flight, the grooms communicated with the pilots, who are responsible for maintaining a stable and comfortable environment in the cargo hold, particularly the temperature and ventilation.
The pilots constantly inform the grooms of any changes in flight conditions, such as turbulence or delays. With horses and other live animals on board, ensuring smooth takeoffs and landings is essential to limit animal stress.
Both Magma Aviation and Intradco Global strictly comply with the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). These regulations provide guidelines for the safe and humane transport of animals.
Air Cargo News has requested confirmation of how many flights took place for this operation and what aircraft were used.
Peter Kerins, chief executive of Magma Aviation, said: “We are proud to partner with Intradco Global for the meticulous transport of endurance horses to the Al Fursan Cup. This operation exemplifies our ability to meet the strict requirements of specialised cargo flights, ensuring every aspect of the journey is managed with utmost precision and care for the animals’ welfare.”
Charlie McMullen, chief executive of equine transportation air charter specialist Intradco Global, commented: “We specialise in transforming complex travel requirements into seamless journeys.
"For the Al Fursan Endurance Cup, our team went above and beyond to ensure the horses received the highest standard of care. Our collaboration with Magma Aviation further strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional service and uphold the safety and comfort of the animals throughout their transport.”
