Transporting elite horses to Hong Kong for a top equestrian show demonstrates our Cathay Live Animal solution at work
Cathay Cargo has flown in around 70 horses that are participating in the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, which will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo between 14 and 16 February, 2025.
The show, which sees top-flight equestrianism and show jumping returning to Hong Kong for the first time in more than five years, will feature international show jumpers in competition, along with other equine entertainment across three days.
Cathay Director Cargo Tom Owen said: “We are proud to be the official airline partner of the Hong Kong International Horse Show as it makes its debut in Hong Kong this February. We have flown in around 70 of the world’s finest sports horses based in Europe from Liège and London to Hong Kong, ensuring they were well taken care of and that they arrived in the best condition for their highly anticipated performances.”
Working with the show organisers, Cathay Cargo planned a charter flight from Liège in Belgium using one of its Boeing 747 freighters to carry most of the showjumping and specialist high-jump puissance horses to Hong Kong on the aircraft’s main deck. They were accompanied by four grooms, who were charged with looking after the horses to ensure they were comfortable on the flight. The remaining horses, including diminutive Shetland ponies, which will be ridden by child jockeys in the event’s “Shetland Pony Grand National”, were flown in to Hong Kong by Cathay Cargo from London Heathrow on scheduled 747 freighter services.
Over 25,000 attendees from Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) are expected at the event, which will feature some of the world’s best show jumpers over three days of top-flight competition. Cathay Cargo will sponsor one of the showjumping events, while some of the obstacles and jumps will carry Cathay Cargo branding. Additionally, Cathay Cargo will also have a stand in the exhibition area, where event visitors will be able to learn more about Cathay Cargo and its Live Animal shipment solution.
Event Director Jo Peck at HPower International, the event delivery company for the show, which also organises the London International Horse Show, said: “We have been delighted to work with our airline partner Cathay Cargo in planning and delivering the logistics of flying these horses from Europe. The care and expertise demonstrated in handling these valuable sports horses using its Cathay Live Animal shipment solution has been hugely appreciated both by us and their riders.
Owen added: “We look forward to showing people how our ‘We Know How’ ethos and shipment expertise enabled these three action-packed days of intense competition with world-class horses, riders and thrilling displays in Hong Kong.”
