Jan 29: Cathay Cargo has successfully transported approximately 60 elite showjumping horses from Europe to Hong Kong for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, scheduled to take place at AsiaWorld-Expo from 30 January to 1 February 2026.

Building on the success of last year’s event, Cathay Cargo’s specialist teams executed a highly coordinated logistics operation to transport the equine athletes on a 12-hour journey from Liège, Belgium—a central European hub with a well-equipped cargo airport and stabling facilities—to Hong Kong International Airport. The horses travelled aboard a chartered Boeing 747 freighter, whose spacious main deck and temperature-controlled environment provide optimal conditions for safe and comfortable long-haul transport, ensuring the horses arrive calm, healthy, and competition-ready.

Commenting on the operation, Dominic Perret, Director Cargo, Cathay, said: “Transporting world-class equine athletes is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. We understand the pressures riders and owners face ahead of elite competition, which is why our focus is to eliminate travel as a source of stress. Our proven expertise in live animal logistics has driven year-on-year growth in this segment, and supporting an event of this calibre further reinforces our position as a trusted partner for high-stakes animal transport.”

Reimagining the live animal transport experience

As global demand for live animal cargo continues to grow, Cathay Cargo’s approach extends beyond transportation alone. Its Live Animal solution is anchored in three core principles:

• Creature comfort: IATA-compliant travel stalls ensure adequate space, ventilation, and safety.

• Charting the right path: Optimised routing minimises stops and transit time, reducing stress for the animals.

• Flying with trust: Industry-leading IATA CEIV Live Animals certification ensures the highest standards of animal welfare.

Each flight is supported by dedicated human expertise. The horses benefit from priority ground handling and slow-speed tarmac transfers. During the flight, CEIV-certified crew continuously monitor and adjust cargo-hold temperature and airflow, while professional grooms accompany the horses throughout the journey, providing hands-on care and constant supervision.

Jo Peck, Event Director at HPower International, said:

“For an international event of this scale, the stakes are exceptionally high. There is no room for uncertainty when transporting elite equine athletes. That’s why we are delighted to partner with Cathay Cargo for the second consecutive year. Their meticulous care, deep understanding of horses, and world-class cargo discipline provide invaluable assurance, allowing riders and organisers to focus entirely on delivering a successful event.”

Cathay Cargo is the first airline in Asia to achieve IATA’s CEIV Live Animals certification, reflecting its deep expertise in managing complex, high-value animal shipments across multiple species.

The successful delivery of these elite showjumping horses once again underscores Cathay Cargo’s leadership in live animal logistics and its continued partnership with one of Asia’s most anticipated international equestrian events.