By Maria Kalamatas – March 10, 2025
Magma Aviation, a leader in innovative air cargo solutions, and Intradco Global, the foremost specialist in equine air transportation, have successfully completed a high-profile operation, transporting 34 endurance horses from Liège (Belgium) to AlUla (Saudi Arabia) for the prestigious AlFursan Endurance Cup. Held at Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, this event features the highest prize purse in the sport and showcases elite endurance riding.
Expertise in Equine Logistics
Endurance horses are highly valuable, and their transportation requires the highest levels of precision and care. The collaboration between Magma Aviation and Intradco Global demonstrated a deep commitment to equine welfare, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish. The client, responsible for the horses’ transport, expressed great satisfaction with the level of service provided, emphasizing the meticulous handling throughout the operation.
Peter Kerins, CEO of Magma Aviation, highlighted the significance of this project: “We are proud to have partnered with Intradco Global for the transport of these elite endurance horses to the Al Fursan Cup. This operation underscores our expertise in specialized cargo flights, where every detail is managed with precision to ensure animal welfare.”
Industry-Leading Equine Transport Standards
With over 30 years of experience, Intradco Global is recognized as the world’s leading equine transportation specialist, offering global coverage, professional flying grooms, and bespoke logistics solutions tailored to the needs of high-value horses. Charlie McMullen, CEO of Intradco Global, emphasized the company’s dedication: “For the Al Fursan Endurance Cup, our team went above and beyond to ensure the horses received the highest level of care. Our collaboration with Magma Aviation reinforces our commitment to safety, comfort, and efficiency in equine transport.”
Meticulous Planning for Animal Welfare
Equine logistics requires extensive pre-flight preparation. The transport process included:
- Selection of specialized horse stalls designed for safety and comfort
- Use of wooden shavings for bedding to enhance stability and absorb moisture
- Coordination between pilots, loadmasters, and professional grooms to ensure horses were positioned correctly for balance and safety
- Precise temperature and ventilation control in the cargo hold
- In-flight access to fresh water and hay for the horses
During the flight, grooms maintained direct communication with the pilots to monitor any environmental changes, ensuring stability and minimizing stress. Smooth takeoffs and landings were prioritized to safeguard the horses’ well-being.
Compliance with Global Animal Transport Regulations
Magma Aviation and Intradco Global strictly adhere to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR), ensuring that all aspects of transport meet the highest industry standards. Both companies have a longstanding partnership that enables seamless collaboration, from pre-flight planning to post-flight care, ensuring transparency and efficiency throughout the operation.
As equine logistics continues to evolve, this operation reaffirms the expertise of Magma Aviation and Intradco Global in delivering world-class transportation solutions for high-value animals. Their dedication to precision and animal welfare sets a benchmark for specialized cargo transport in the aviation industry.
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