When pigs (and horses) fly: Demand rises for live animal transport

Horse attitudes

Bunnies, of course – tiny or extra-large – are small potatoes in the animal transport trade. The real prizes are horses, which can be valued from a few thousand dollars to many millions, depending on the age, breed and condition.

One of the most prolific equine carriers, Qatar Airways Cargo, has seen a recent upsurge in the transportation of live animals, especially horses. In fiscal year 2016-17, the carrier transported more than 2,300 horses, a 10 percent increase over 2015-16. “We have some very dedicated forwarders on that side, that have the equipment because animal transportation always hinges on the equipment,” said Ulrich Ogiermann, head of cargo for Qatar. “If you want to have proper horse transportation you must have proper horse stalls that are certified, that are the latest technology, you have to be able to provide space for grooms that can accompany horses, for instance, on the flights.”

Some other freighter operators that often carry live animals include FedEx, Cargolux, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Lufthansa, Korean Air and Malaysia Airlines.

In late March, Qatar reported the shipment of 50 thoroughbred European horses from Amsterdam to Eppley Airfield in Omaha, to take part in the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping and FEI World Cup Dressage finals. The 50 horses on board the cargo carrier’s 777 freighter received world-class treatment and expert handling. Each horse stall on the freighter was loaded with two horses, with a total of 11 grooms accompanying the equine guests. The freighter also carried 20 tonnes of equine equipment. On board the aircraft, an ambient temperature of 12 to 15˚C in the cargo bay during the flight ensured a comfortable journey for the horses travelling in their horse stalls.

Qatar Airways Cargo transports a variety of animals in accordance with IATA’s Live Animal Regulations. Horses are transported primarily between the Middle East and Europe, and between Europe and the United States, where most of the elite equine shows take place. While it would be much cheaper to ship by truck, rail or oceanfreight, the stress on the animals would be far too high and potentially deadly if the journey took more than a day or two.

Recent changes in demographics, however, are broadening the reach of animal transport, said Danielle Frost, group marketing executive for charter carrier Chapman Freeborn. “In terms of equine transport, there are some interesting factors driving increased demand in emerging markets like China and Asia, where rising affluence levels are changing interests,” she said. “There’s a significant amount of investment happening now in terms of horse breeding programs and other related infrastructure projects, perhaps in the hopes that China will one day have a horse racing industry to rival other countries.”

For example, earlier this year, Chapman Freeborn’s Intradco Global animal transport division, completed the biggest-ever single movement of thoroughbreds from Ireland to China, with a 747-400F charter, transporting 76 horses from Shannon to Beijing. “Movements of this size show just how fast the market is growing,” Frost said.

Qatar’s Ogiermann said that, regardless of where the horses are shipped, the possession of the right equipment and the best-trained personnel are key. “You have to make use of knowledge of certain, dedicated forwarders in the market, who work very closely together with the [trainers], also in terms of making sure we have the equipment,” he said. “So when we are contracting a round of charters – for instance, for an event in Doha, the largest equestrian facility worldwide, with two or three very high-level events per year – we are talking about four or five charter flights for every event coming into, and going out of Doha.”