Fifty of the finest European equine guests were treated with exceptional care and attention as they were transported to Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, where the world’s best riders and horses will compete at the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping and FEI World Cup Dressage Finals from March 29 to 2 April.
Qatar Airways Cargo provided the utmost care and ensured the safety and comfort of the horses throughout their journey from Amsterdam to Omaha.
Read more: In-flight entertainment: Saudi prince brings 80 falcons on a plane
The 50 horses on board the cargo carrier’s Boeing 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 – 15 degrees Celsius in the cargo bay during the flight ensured a comfortable journey for the horses travelling in their horse stalls. The cargo carrier will also fly equine superstars back to Amsterdam after the FEI World Cup Finals.
Ulrich Ogiermann, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways said, “Qatar Airways Cargo accomplished another successful equine charter. We place great emphasis on care and safety in live animal transportation, particularly horses which require specialist service and well-trained staff. We offer personalised solutions, high quality operations and an excellent record of on-time delivery, making us premier carrier of live animals.”
Read more: US electronics ban: Qatar Airways follows suit with free laptops, Wi-Fi on US-bound flights
Leveraging its world-class product QR Live, Qatar Airways Cargo transported over 2,300 horses in the past 12 months.
50 thoroughbreds were flown in exceptional comfort on Qatar Airways Cargo’s Boeing 777 freighter, chartered from Amsterdam to Omaha.
Edwin Hofstede, Director at ECS Livestock B.V, the cargo carrier’s customer said, “Transporting the horses globally is always a challenge and involves proper coordination between all concerned involved. The successful charter is testament to Qatar Airways Cargo’s wealth of experience in transporting star-performing horses around the world.”
Qatar Airways Cargo has seen a recent upsurge in the transportation of live animals, especially horses. In 2016-17, the cargo carrier transported over 2300 horses, a 10 per cent increase over 2015-16. Qatar Airways Cargo transports a variety of animals in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations. Horses are transported primarily between the Middle East and Europe, and between Europe and the USA.
QR Charter service offers quality, reliable and cost-effective global charter solutions through cargo carrier’s young and modern fleet of freighters. Qatar Airways Cargo recently received its twelfth Boeing 777 freighter, offering increased capacity and access to any major air freight market across the world.
The cargo carrier will receive another Boeing 777 freighter later this year, increasing its freighter fleet to a total of 22 aircraft by the end of 2017. Qatar Airways Cargo was also awarded Global Cargo Airline of the Year award at Air Cargo Africa in February this year.
