By Eva Richardson | The Logistic News
April 11, 2025
In a rare and highly orchestrated air logistics operation, Cathay Cargo has completed the largest equine airlift in its history, transporting 65 elite show-jumping horses from Europe to Hong Kong in support of the inaugural Hong Kong International Horse Show.
The operation not only set a benchmark for international live animal transport but also reaffirmed the airline’s growing reputation as a leader in specialized cargo solutions, combining aviation logistics with veterinary-grade precision.
A Mission Months in the Making
The transcontinental equine transfer required months of planning, involving Cathay’s cargo teams in Liège, London, and Hong Kong, alongside veterinary specialists, international horse groomers, and ground handling partners. The horses—valued in the millions—were handpicked from top equestrian circuits across Europe and traveled from Liège Airport in Belgium and London Heathrow, two of the most established hubs for equine aviation.
“Our goal was simple: maximum comfort and zero compromise,” said Brandon Liu, Live Animals Transport Manager at Cathay Cargo. “But behind that was a complex choreography involving permits, health protocols, route planning, and in-flight care procedures.”
In-Flight Butlers and Tailored Nutrition
Each horse flew in a custom-designed stall, accompanied by trained animal handlers—referred to internally as in-flight butlers—who monitored hydration, stress levels, and ventilation throughout the flight. Cathay Cargo provided individual feeding programs, pre-approved by veterinarians, to ensure that no horse experienced digestive distress due to altitude, dehydration, or time-zone shifts.
The airline’s dedication to animal welfare is backed by its IATA CEIV Live Animals certification, ensuring all procedures met the highest international standards for safety, compliance, and traceability.
From Runway to Arena: Precision on the Ground
Upon landing in Hong Kong, the horses were swiftly transferred from Hong Kong International Airport to a secure stabling facility under tight biosecurity protocols, with 24/7 monitoring until competition day.
Despite the complexity, not a single delay or incident was reported—an outcome hailed by organizers of the Hong Kong International Horse Show, which welcomed more than 14,000 attendees during its debut weekend. For many, the arrival of the horses was as spectacular as the competition itself.
“This was more than a flight—it was a masterclass in high-value, high-stakes cargo handling,” said Elise Tam, Director of Equine Sports Asia. “Cathay didn’t just deliver horses. They delivered excellence.”
What This Means for Asia’s Live Animal Logistics
The success of this mission highlights Hong Kong’s capacity to become a regional hub for equestrian and veterinary logistics, leveraging its world-class airport infrastructure, quarantine facilities, and location as a gateway between Europe and Asia-Pacific.
It also positions Cathay Cargo as a key player in a niche but growing market—one that includes not only equine sports but zoological transfers, endangered species repatriation, and luxury pet transport.
Why It Matters:
As logistics companies look to diversify into high-margin, specialized cargo, the Cathay equine operation proves that success lies in more than horsepower—it lies in precision, empathy, and trust at 30,000 feet.
Eva Richardson is a senior correspondent for The Logistic News, covering premium freight, aviation logistics, and the intersection of transport and global events.
