CargoLand by LGG and Cathay Cargo have once again demonstrated their expertise in specialised live-animal logistics, with LGG acting as the European gateway for the transport of high-value competition horses to Hong Kong for a major international jumping event. The long-haul charter was conducted in cooperation with Peden Bloodstock, an internationally recognised specialist in the transport of elite sport horses and bloodstock worldwide. The operation highlights LGG’s purpose-built infrastructure, operational precision, and welfare-first approach to complex equine movements.
At the core of the operation is the Horse Inn, CargoLand by LGG’s dedicated on-airport equine facility accommodating up to 54 horses in individual, climate-controlled stalls. With direct airside access, horses are transferred seamlessly from stable to aircraft, minimising transit times and avoiding exposure to ramp conditions. Veterinary services are available 24/7, and horses are also housed at the Horse Inn upon arrival before continuing by road to their final destinations, ensuring welfare continuity throughout the process.
For this charter, temperature conditions were maintained at an average of 15°C in line with shipper specifications and formally recorded in the Captain’s Notification (NOTOC). Aircraft environmental systems, including the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), supported stable ground conditions where required, while four onboard grooms and veterinarians accompanied the horses throughout the journey to monitor their well-being. The operation was prepared nearly two months in advance, with close coordination between stakeholders in Europe and Hong Kong to guarantee seamless execution.
LGG’s unrestricted 24/7 cargo operations, absence of curfew, flexible slot policy, and full cargo specialisation provide the framework that makes such time-critical, high-value transports possible. The selection of CargoLand by LGG by Cathay Cargo for this prestigious movement reflects international confidence in the airport’s live-animal expertise.
“Transporting elite sport horses requires absolute precision and an uncompromising focus on animal welfare,” says Anand Yedery, Regional Head of Cargo Europe at Cathay. “LGG’s dedicated equine infrastructure and seamless stable-to-aircraft process ensured optimal conditions throughout the operation. Close coordination between all stakeholders was key to delivering a smooth and secure journey to Hong Kong.”
Henry Bullen, Director at Peden Bloodstock, adds: “Calmness, efficiency, planning and the shortest possible transit times are essential in elite horse transport. The first-class facility at the Horse Inn and the experienced team managing it provided exactly the environment these horses require. The strong teamwork between the airline, handlers and veterinarians ensured a stress-free and professionally executed movement.”
“CargoLand by LGG is built for operations like this,” says Frederic Brun, Head of Commercial Cargo & Logistics at Liege Airport. “We combine dedicated infrastructure, such as the Horse Inn, with experienced teams and round-the-clock cargo operations. When transporting elite sport horses, welfare and precision always come first — efficiency follows from meticulous preparation and strong teamwork.”
Beyond this event, the charter reinforces CargoLand by LGG’s positioning as a European reference for complex and high-value cargo, as the €500 million CargoLand development continues to strengthen LGG’s cargo-first strategy and specialised logistics capabilities.
