Emirates SkyCargo transports close to 100 horses across three continents

The horses were transported from Liege in Belgium to compete in the first three legs of the Longines Global Champions Tour in Mexico City, Miami and Shanghai in April 2017. The air cargo carrier operated a total of 10 dedicated freighter flights each carrying 25 horse stalls to transport the equine champions and their grooms. Emirates SkyCargo worked closely with Peden Bloodstock, a specialist in horse transportation to manage the complex logistics involved in flying close to 100 horses across four different countries within the space of a few weeks.

Mexico City and Miami

Emirates SkyCargo transported 93 horses in two flights from Liege to Mexico City for the first segment of the journey between 31 March and 1 April 2017. The horses, each weighing between 600-650 kgs, were transported in Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777F freighters along with 11 accompanying grooms and about 30 tonnes of equipment. The flights lasted close to 12 hours and the horses arrived at their destination a few days ahead of the start of the championships. Incidentally all the winners of the CSI 5 level competitions* at the Longines Global Champions Tour event in Mexico City had travelled on board Emirates SkyCargo. The second leg of the tour involved a relatively shorter three hour hop for the 93 horses from Mexico City to Miami onboard Emirates SkyCargo freighters. At the close of the event in Miami, the horses were brought back to Liege on 16 April 2017.

Shanghai

For the next stop in the itinerary, the air cargo carrier transported 96 horses and 27 grooms in three separate flights from Liege to Shanghai on 22 and 23 April 2017 and back on 1st and 2nd  May 2017. The jet-setting horses had approximately one week on the ground at each destination to compete in tournaments before being transported to the next stop on their itinerary. Dedicated and trained staff were on the ground at each destination to ensure smooth handling and maximum comfort for the horses.