Belgium’s Liege Airport has opened the HORSE INN, a new facility designed to upgrade its overall service provision for the transportation of live horses which require specific rest and loading areas.

The HORSE INN, with a total investment of €2.6 million, is not only intended for horses being transported by air but also to accommodate them during transit by road and was timed to be ready for the upcoming Rio Olympics.

With a view to developing this particular sector, Liege Airport has called on recognised experts, including Grégory Wathelet, the Belgian no 1 show jumper and European runner-up. He will now receive support from the airport, in return raising its international profile. In addition, Félix-Marie Brasseur, twice world individual driving four-in-hand champion, is now an Ambassador for the HORSE INN.

A specially designed HORSE INN logo and a new website dedicated to the transportation of horses have opened up the high quality equestrian world to the general public and professionals alike (www.horse-inn-liege.com).

According to José Happart, Liege Airport president, this new building is part of a well thought-out development strategy: “This is a significant investment which is part of the services our airport offers to its clients (Lachs, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Icelandair).

“For some years now, Liege Airport has set the standard in the transport of horses and live animals. We are improving and diversifying our strengths so that horse owners, riders and grooms are fully satisfied. We are also fulfilling our mission of economic development in creating and consolidating jobs in Wallonia in the equestrian sector”.

Liege Airport is the top cargo airport in Belgium and one of the leaders in Europe for the transport of live animals and perishable goods. Almost 3,000 horses a year transit through Liege Airport, benefitting from the specialist skills of its partners and veterinarians, and of its infrastructures.