Air Charter Service has helped transport 36 husky dogs from Norway to the United States so they could take part in the Iditarod sled race in Alaska.
The dogs, along with their handlers, flew from Oslo to Anchorage before continuing on to the famous long-distance race, often described as “The Last Great Race”, which runs from Anchorage to Nome across Alaska.
ACS said it was tasked with finding an airline capable of operating the flight non-stop in order to minimise transit time for the animals. It also had to meet all documentation requirements while ensuring the welfare of the dogs throughout the journey.
Dan Morgan-Evans, group cargo director at ACS, said the project involved a series of operational challenges. These included securing an airline willing to perform the flight, identifying an aircraft able to complete the journey without a fuel stop, and making sure the dogs did not spend longer than necessary in transit.
The company selected a Boeing 757-200F for the operation. ACS said the payload was less than two tonnes, consisting of the huskies and their equipment, including dog food, vitamins, harnesses and camping gear.
Beyond the flight itself, ACS also had to arrange additional staff with the handling agent in Oslo, secure an outdoor area so the dogs could be exercised before departure, and ensure all health documentation was in place. This included 36 passports, 36 rabies certificates, 36 health certificates and 36 CDC permits for US customs.
A member of the ACS cargo team accompanied the dogs and handlers on board to make sure the journey ran as planned.
The company also said it secured airside access in Anchorage so handlers could drive directly up to the aircraft and collect the dogs for their short onward journey.
After the race, ACS added, the dogs flew to Seattle on a chartered McDonnell Douglas MD-83F before returning to Europe on a scheduled flight.
