Two Emirates SkyCargo special freighter charters have recently touched down in the U.K., carrying a record cargo of over 100 horses.
The first shipment of 70 horses, which arrived on April 27, was the largest number ever transported by Emirates SkyCargo on a single freighter flight. The second flight arrived two days later carrying 42 horses.
The horses of the Royal Cavalry of Oman were flown from Muscat to Stansted on the carrier’s Boeing 777F freighter aircraft for the Diamond Jubilee Pageant, which took place from May 10-13 at Windsor Castle.
The Diamond Jubilee Pageant is a major event marking The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The event took place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle on the evenings of May 10 through 13, 2012. Over 550 horses and more than 1,000 dancers, musicians and performers from around the world came together each night in a performance that paid tribute to 60 years of the Queen’s reign.
“With our Dubai hub now a major player in the world of horse racing, we have gained considerable experience in the care and transport of horses and fly hundreds across the globe every year,” said Hiran Perera, Emirates’ Senior Vice-President, Cargo Planning & Freighters.
“We are honoured to have been chosen to bring the Royal Cavalry of Oman to the U.K. for this prestigious event.”
The horses were transported in custom-built IATA-certified horse stalls, which have been developed in consultation with veterinary experts, and can each carry up to three horses. The interior of each freighter aircraft has a sensitive air-conditioning system that can be continually adjusted, ensuring the comfort of the horses at all times.
A team of eight grooms and one veterinary surgeon accompanied the horses on each flight.