Emirates SkyCargo is transporting 247 racehorses from Liege in Belgium to Haneda in Tokyo, via Dubai, for the Olympics.
The carrier has collaborated with equine logistics specialist Peden Bloodstock to safely transport the animals to and from the Olympics’ hosting country on eight special charter flights.
The horses are safely being transported inside 131 specially designed stalls,
provided by Emirates SkyCargo.
In addition, the carrier is transporting 20 tonnes of food and drink for the horses, along with 100 tonnes of special equipment, for the onward journey from Liege.
A team of 59 grooms will ensure that the horses are well cared for, fed and watered throughout their journey.
In addition to the eight charter flights that are yet to be carried out, Emirates SkyCargo has already transported 36 dressage horses on a flight to Haneda.
The 36 horses that have already arrived in Tokyo will race for teams from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Japan and the UK, as well as individuals from Brazil, Estonia, Finland, Ireland and Morocco.
Administrator of Tokyo International Airport Takahashi Koji commented: “To see these horses arriving at Haneda airport is a truly historic occasion, and what makes it even more special is that these are not simply horses, they are Olympic horses.
“It’s a really big night for the airport, and particularly for the cargo team, and we see it as one of the major milestones of the final countdown to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”
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