(Photo: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport)

On September 20, Ethiopian Airlines successfully completed a specialized cargo flight transporting 18 horses to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

Each horse, weighing around 500 kilograms, was monitored by professional handlers and veterinarians throughout the journey. The animals traveled in specially designed stalls that met IATA CEIV Live Animal Transport standards, with cabin conditions maintained for stable temperature, humidity, and pressure.

(Photo: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport)

Air transport of horses is considered one of the most challenging sectors of cargo logistics, requiring strict attention to animal welfare, bio-security, customs clearance, and emergency procedures. Ethiopian Airlines, holding IATA CEIV certifications for both pharmaceuticals and live animals, provided a comprehensive solution ensuring precise temperature control, smooth customs coordination, and seamless ground-to-air operations.

(Photo: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport)

This also marks the first live horse transport handled by the airport in five years. Ground support was provided by the Logistics Co of Guangdong Airport Authority, the first cargo terminal on the Chinese mainland qualified for competitive horse transport. The team managed all operational steps, including documentation, inspections, and handover procedures, ensuring the horses' safe and swift arrival at their destination.

As Africa's largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines's cargo network in China now covers 11 cities, with over 80 weekly passenger and cargo flights connecting key hubs in Addis Ababa, Changsha, Urumqi, and E'zhou.