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rom elite showjumping horses and endangered rhinos to pandas and alpacas, Cathay Cargo handles some of the most sensitive freight in aviation. In 2025, the airline recorded a 4.3 percent increase in live animal shipments, driven by growing demand for reliable, welfare-first logistics across Asia-Pacific, Europe
and the Americas. Backed by IATA CEIV Live Animals certification, dedicated facilities
in Hong Kong and species-specific flight protocols, Cathay Cargo’s specialised teams coordinate complex, often time-critical shipments that extend far beyond standard freight. “It’s not just transport. Every shipment is a story — and someone’s deep
responsibility,” said James Evans, General Manager, Cargo Commercial at Cathay Cargo. A standout operation in 2026 was its role as founding partner for the
Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show. The airline transported around 60 elite showjumping horses from Liège, Belgium to Hong Kong aboard a chartered Boeing 747 freighter. “What made it memorable wasn’t just the scale,” said Evans. “There
was enormous pressure on the riders and owners, and our job was to ensure that travel wasn’t a source of added stress.” The operation involved tailored temperature control in the aircraft
hold, flight crew using low auto-brake settings during landing and ground teams mobilising quickly to unload both the charter and a scheduled flight arriving simultaneously. “Our Large Animal Reception Room acted as a climate-controlled buffer,
giving the horses a quiet, comfortable space to wait rather than keeping them on the tarmac or rushing the process,” Evans explained. While equine transport remains a core service, more unusual shipments
often require heightened scrutiny. In 2024, Cathay Cargo was entrusted with moving giant pandas An An and Ke Ke from Sichuan to Hong Kong after the animals were gifted by the Central Government. “We customised nearly every aspect of their journey, from IATA-
compliant travel suites with proper ventilation to coordinating fresh Guangdong bamboo and apples for their in-flight meals,” Evans said. Other examples include Harry the Sumatran rhino, repatriated from
the U.S. to Indonesia for breeding, and Yakalla the Sri Lankan leopard, now part of a conservation programme in Australia. “Whether it’s pandas with global significance or alpacas starting a new chapter,
each shipment is precious to the people who entrust us with their care,” he added. Cathay Cargo’s animal transport protocols are built around species-
specific needs. The Cathay Cargo Terminal in Hong Kong houses a dedicated Large Animal Reception Room, air-conditioned holding areas and a temperature-controlled storeroom. “Animals receive priority handling in a ‘last on, first off’ arrangement
to minimise tarmac time,” Evans explained. “We use slow-speed tows to reduce stress during transport.” In-flight conditions are adjusted using software that controls cargo
hold temperature and ventilation. Horses typically travel at 12–14°C, pigs at 18–20°C and dairy cattle around 22°C. Grooms and certified veterinarians are often on board for in-flight monitoring. Each live shipment involves a cross-functional team spanning cargo
planning, ground handling, flight operations and regulatory oversight. “For in-flight care, specialists and veterinarians who have full
access to the cargo deck monitor animal well-being throughout the journey,” said Evans. “Our professional team in Hong Kong coordinates closely with ground handling teams to manage specialised equipment
like tugs and dollies during arrival.” Weather delays, ground congestion or unexpected health issues
can quickly disrupt a carefully planned shipment. For Cathay, the solution lies in real-time monitoring and predefined protocols tailored by species and route. “Our operations centre provides round-the-clock oversight,” Evans “We can reroute or
noted. reallocate capacity during delays and
maintain close coordination with authorities in emergencies.” During the 2025 Hong Kong horse show, two aircraft carrying
horses arrived nearly simultaneously due to weather disruptions in New York. “Our ground team responded brilliantly, mobilising extra tugs and dollies,” he said. “Rather than rushing the process, we were able to maintain welfare-first standards throughout, even under pressure.” Digital tools underpin the airline’s approach. Pilots use software to
model temperature and CO2 levels throughout the flight, anticipating and managing risks. “This predictive capability allows us to optimise conditions and ensure
every animal travels in the most comfortable environment possible,” Evans explained.
The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,369 09 March 2026
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