Long-term WCAworld members World Air Logistics and Worldlink Shipping Colombo have come together to oversee the flight of a large Thai elephant from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Chaing Mai, Thailand in a project movement set to achieve a new Guinness World Record.
World Air Logistics, Bangkok and Worldlink, Colombo combined through WCA Projects to deliver the precious cargo safely and securely back home. The landmark project saw the return of elephant Sak Surin (Muthu Raja) to Thailand after 22 years in Sri Lanka and involved flying the four-tonne animal inside a specifically designed cage aboard an Ilyushin ll-76 aircraft. Following verification by the Guinness Book of Records, this will be considered the world’s largest elephant flown by aircraft.
The collaboration involved close coordination with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and relevant government authorities to ensure the safety and comfort of Sak Surin throughout the journey.
World Air Logistics, Thailand, played a
crucial role in sourcing an aircraft capable of accommodating the elephant’s cage, as well as arranging for veterinary experts and mahouts to accompany the elephant during the flight. Worldlink Shipping Colombo worked closely with the Thai Embassy and a local truck company to facilitate the seamless transportation of Sak Surin from Dehiwala Zoo to Bandaranaike International Airport, while also ensuring smooth customs clearance and airside operational access.
During its 22-year stay in Sri Lanka, the majestic elephant took part in Esala Perahera processions in various towns each year, as the main tusker elephant, thanks to its beautiful long tusks and graceful characteristics. The WCA Projects members together ensured the successful relocation of Sak Surin from Sri Lanka to its retirement life in Chang Mai.
Worawut Pakdeesattayaphong, Managing Director World Air Logistics Said: “We are proud to have collaborated with our esteemed partners within the WCA Projects network, especially on this exceptional project. Together, as World Air Logistics and Worldlink Shipping, we soared to new heights of collaboration to meticulously orchestrate the historic flight of Sak Surin. Handling the intricacies of elephant movement
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COMFORT FOR ALL CREATURES ...
AIR Canada Cargo is committed to delivering the highest possible standards of service in the world of animal transportation with their ...
is a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of our teams and vividly demonstrates the impact of our partnership, as we ventured into uncharted territory and achieved an unprecedented milestone in air logistics.”
QATAR AIRWAYS CARGO JOINS ... RUBEN, who was left behind when a private zoo closed down in Armenia, suffered in a tiny concrete cell with no contact with other lions ... PAGE 5
NAVINGATING THE WORLD OF...
As a dedicated live animal transportation service that handles the transport of beloved animal companions, Pets on Board works to ...
No. 1,249 25 September 2023 aircargoweek.com
AIR Canada Cargo is committed to delivering the highest possible standards of service in the world of animal transportation with their commitment to safe and comfortable journeys for a wide range of animals.
With capabilities extending from large animals like horses and cattle to smaller species like geckos and rabbits, the airline’s expertise in animal transportation is clear.
Showcasing the airline’s commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of all creatures in their care, Matthieu Casey, Managing Director, Commercial of Cargo at Air Canada Cargo, explained “each animal movement is unique and requires extensive review before we approve the booking.”
One of the standout features of Air Canada Cargo’s animal transportation operations is
the newly renovated Air Canada Cargo Pet Stop at Toronto Pearson International Airport. This facility is designed to cater to the needs of animals travelling with the airline.
With spacious enclosures for dogs, horses, and cats, the facility offers a comfortable stay for animals, complete with specialised care, regular walks in a grassy area, quality food, and access to veterinary services if necessary.
The Pet Stop’s proximity to the runway reduces unnecessary transport stress on the animals, and the care provided by Air Canada Cargo employees, who are fully trained in animal care and first aid, ensures their wellbeing throughout their stay.
“The newly renovated facility is bright, well-ventilated, and temperature controlled,” Casey explained, with handlers ready to fully document the duration of the stay of any animal.
Casey shared some intriguing anecdotes about unique animal movements handled by Air Canada Cargo. From transporting a wayward bullock oriole in the cabin to alpacas, pandas,
Air Canada Cargo’s dedication to excellence in animal transportation was recognised when they became the world’s first airline to be awarded IATA’s CEIV Live Animals certification.
This prestigious certification highlights the airline’s commitment to animal well-being, safety, and industry-leading practices. The airline’s involvement in the initial certification pilot for the CEIV Live Animal programme, as well as their subsequent recertification, showcases their consistent efforts to uphold the highest standards.
Once the aircraft takes off, animals on board are treated to optimal conditions. Air Canada Cargo prioritises temperature-controlled flights to minimise environmental fluctuations. Kennels are securely tied down and separated from baggage to ensure proper oxygen flow. Low lighting further reduces stressors for the animals during their journey.
and even a green sea turtle, the airline is ready for a wide spectrum of species.
Whether ensuring crocodiles are kept at the right moisture or carrying over 200 pets on a flight, the airline is proud of its commitment to animal well-being and safety.
During the COVID-19 pandemic this was evident through its charter service of four widebody “arcs” for special flights to Australia and New Zealand.
“The flight crew remarked that once the aircraft reached cruising altitude, it was quiet in the hold; however, on descent it became an orchestra of meows and barks,” Casey remarked.
Air Canada Cargo’s extensive global network ensures animals can be safely transported to various destinations. Through their CEIV certification, the airline streamlines animal handling processes, ensuring consistent safety standards across their network. The airline’s hub in Toronto, along with partners in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, facilitates seamless connections and comfort stops.
“With the extensive global and regional network offered, we can move animals safely on our modern fleet minimising environmental disruptions and number of stops needed, resulting in less stress on the animals,” Casey said.
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Air Canada Cargo has recently partnered with Vetster, a virtual veterinarian care service, to enhance the well-being of animals in their care. Vetster’s licensed veterinarians are available online, ensuring the animals’ health and comfort throughout their travels, with the service available at Canadian hubs, as well as international stations inlcuding the US and UK.
“This service allows pet owners to have peace of mind of knowing that their pets have access to expert care throughout their journey. With Vetster, our trained staff can contact licensed veterinarians online at any time and any place if medical care is needed,” Casey added.
CARGONET has announced the appointment of Lisa Forshaw as Regional Director and Andy Sullivan as Account Manager.
“Both Lisa and Andy bring a wealth of experience from their extensive careers in the Aircargo industry, further strengthening the company’s position as a premier player in the field,” Steve Landy, Managing Director of Cargonet, said. With almost three decades of experience in the air cargo sector, Lisa Forshaw brings a proven track record of leadership and innovation to her role as Regional Director at Cargonet. She has held key positions in various international cargo companies, contributing to significant growth and operational excellence. Lisa’s deep understanding of global logistics trends, market dynamics, and customer needs
will be invaluable in driving the company’s expansion and strategic initiatives.
“I am thrilled to join Cargonet as the Regional Director and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to revolutionising the logistics industry,” Lisa Forshaw said. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance customer satisfaction, seek new opportunities, and foster innovation in our solutions.”
Andy Sullivan’s extensive career spanning a decade in the air cargo industry has solidified his reputation as a dependable and results-oriented professional. As a new Account Manager at Cargonet, Sullivan’s comprehensive knowledge of cargo management, customer relations, and industry best practices will play a pivotal role in nurturing client partnerships and driving business growth.
“I am honoured to be a part of Cargonet and work alongside a group of talented individuals who share a passion for delivering first class services,” Andy Sullivan said. “I am excited to collaborate with our clients and internal teams to create tailored solutions that exceed expectations.”
“We are delighted to welcome Lisa Forshaw and Andy Sullivan to the Cargonet family,” Landy stated. “Their expertise and dedication align perfectly with our company’s vision, and we are confident that their contributions will shape the future of our business.”
WeQare Chapter 2 initiative: ‘Rewild the Planet’ back in 2020. We pledged to return wildlife and endangered species back to their natural habitat, free-of-charge and we will continue to do so.”
“When ADI approached us and explained the sad story of Ruben, we immediately knew we had to help them. There are a lot of logistics involved in moving animals like Ruben; from the logistics at the airports involved, the process for loading and unloading the animals from the aircraft, to ensuring the correct cages and wellbeing of the animals are in place. It takes a lot of effort from our team to organise such transport - but it is something we are all collectively very proud to be a part of, knowing we helped give back to our planet.”
Jan Creamer, President, Animals Defenders International added: “Ruben was really in trouble until Qatar Airways Cargo stepped up. ADI had been funding his care in Armenia since December and when we could find no flights for him we feared he could be stuck there.
“Then Qatar Airways Cargo ‘WeQare’ initiative stepped in, moving a larger aircraft with hold doors big enough for Ruben’s crate, into the scheduled passenger route out of Yervan. We are so thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo for all their support in helping get Ruben to South Africa.
“Seeing Ruben walk on grass for the first time, hearing the voices of his own kind, with the African sun on his back, brought us all to tears.”
Qatar Airways Cargo’s WeQare sustainability programme consists of a series of focus chapters based on four core pillars: environment, society, economy, and culture and is a conscious endeavour to create a more positive impact on the industry and the world.
RUBEN, who was left behind when a private zoo closed down in Armenia, suffered in a tiny concrete cell with no contact with other lions. Ruben’s happy ending was at risk when Animal Defenders International (ADI) could not find a suitable flight for him out of Armenia. Qatar Airways Cargo orchestrated a 5,200-mile journey for the 15-year-old lion, where he is now re-discovering his voice and confidence as he roams the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite physical challenges from years of captivity, Ruben’s resilience and determination shine through, offering hope for his remarkable recovery.
Elisabeth Oudkerk, SVP Cargo Sales & Network Planning at Qatar Airways Cargo said: “We are committed to preserving wildlife and endangered species, that is why we launched our
As a dedicated live animal transportation service that handles the transport of beloved animal companions, Pets on Board works to ensure travel around the globe is safe and comfortable.
From arranging live animal exports to handling pets during holidays, relocations, and seasonal migrations, they provide a comprehensive service that seeks to take the stress out of animal transportation.
Global routes
Pets on Board, a subsidiary of Dublin-based EFL International Distribution, operates globally and specialises in routes to countries with stringent regulations, such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the UAE. These destinations demand meticulous paperwork and adherence to specific protocols, which can take several months to complete. The importance of thorough preparation cannot be overstated, ensuring animals meet the strict requirements of these countries. To minimise delays where possible, Pets on Board operates hand-in-hand with a number of partners.
“We work very closely with Qatar Airways who manage the majority of our exports to popular destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa,” Siobhan Sweeney, Pet Relocation Manager at Pets on Board, said.
“The EU moves are handled more by Aerlingus and Lufthansa and the UAE are usually looked after by Emirates,” she explained. “We do use an array of different airlines for many locations however.”
The actual journey from Pets on Board facilities to the destination involves several steps. As an organisation, they coordinate with airlines to book flights that accommodate the animals’ specific needs, utilising specialised crates to ensure the animals’ comfort and safety during the journey.
“It’s really case by case specific, what the owner is willing to include in the service. We offer all services, basically, we offer everything,” Sweeney explained.
“Not only do we cater for the transport, we can also provide the travel containers for transport; no crate is too big or too small. Ranging from standard plastic kennels to custom-made wooden
crates, we cater to all shapes and sizes of animals, all IATA approved of course”.
Temperature control is paramount as aircraft cargo holds can experience extreme temperatures. Pets on Board ensures that the animals are exposed to the right conditions throughout the journey. Finally, on arrival at the destination, the pets may undergo customs clearance, which can vary from country to country.
Transporting animals isn’t just about logistics; it’s also about ensuring their welfare throughout the journey. Pets on Board takes animal well-being seriously, tailoring their services to each animal’s unique needs.
“We try to just cater for the animal. We’ll always say that the animal comes first. The animal’s welfare is our utmost importance,” Sweeney stated. “You can’t explain to an animal what’s happening but you can explain to the owner.”
As animals may be required to stay in various locations during the travel process, depending on the owner’s circumstances, Pets on Board offers a range of options, including in-home boarding facilities, family or friend care, or utilising the expertise of trained professionals for longer stays. This approach focuses on minimising stress for the animals and ensuring they are comfortable and safe.
“We also work closely with Fota Wildlife Park in Cork with their
“We work very closely with Qatar Airways who manage the majority of our exports to popular destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa”
relocations for the zoo conservation programmes with other zoos worldwide. It’s always interesting to see the different animals that are moved between the zoos and I feel so lucky to be in the position to assist with their moves,” Sweeney added.
Making the complex simple
Catering to a diverse clientele that includes exotic animals, family pets, and more, Pets on Board facilitate travel during holidays, year-round relocations, and seasonal migrations. While it might sound straightforward, the process is intricate and depends heavily on the destination and circumstances.
“There’s lots and lots of wonderful paperwork that goes along
based in the Republic of Ireland, presenting a challenge when moving animals between the EU and the UK due to customs processes and health certificates.
“Things are forever changing, and they change rapidly,” Sweeney highlighted. “But at the moment, since Brexit came in, they’re still kind of ironing out the finer details and the finer lines between the two countries because we’re so close.”
The soft border in Ireland eases the movement, but issues arise when transiting through Dublin to reach the UK. This highlights the ongoing adjustments post-Brexit to facilitate smooth pet travel between the EU and the UK.
Pets on Board is a member of the International Pet And Animal Transport Association, which holds a very high standard in all forms of pet transport.
“Using the most up-to-date information regarding import regulations and export requirements, it is a very good source of support to make the transfer of pets/animals move as smoothly as possible,” Sweeney stated. “It is a big organisation full of likeminded people who have the best interests of the animals at heart.”
Demand for live animal transportation services fluctuates throughout the year. Peak seasons generally align with holidays and summer months, while demand eases during other times. However, the demand for such services has remained relatively steady even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You’ll find that the busiest times goes from April to September. Then it picks up again in November, December, January. Then it starts to slow down again in February,” Sweeney stated. ”It’s really been the same pattern, which is nice because you know you’re going to get a breath of fresh air. But it’s great to be busy and animal transportation is definitely gaining popularity.”
with it. Processes can take anything from a month to six months,” Sweeney explained. “It’s fairly simplistic, but it can be very complicated at the same time, depending on the location you’re going to.”
One of the complexities arises from Brexit, as Pets on Board is
One challenge faced by the industry post-COVID is the inconsistency in information regarding pet travel. Changes in airline policies and the availability of services like excess baggage transport created confusion for pet owners. To combat that, Pets on Board actively worked to help provide clients with all available information, reducing any concerns they might have had.
“Things are forever changing, and they change rapidly”
