The capital’s airline has taken the lead on live animal transportation, having recently announced a service for shipping horses overseas.
The SkyStables service, which will be operated by Etihad Cargo, the freight division of Etihad Airways, will allow customers to transport horses and other similar species around the world by air.
Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways chief strategy and planning officer, said: “Our new global SkyStables product is a tangible example of innovation being at the very forefront of how we continue to develop our business by adding more services for new and existing customers.”
Breeders, owners and equestrian organisations will be able to take advantage of SkyStables’ bespoke service, which will be available across a network of 44 destinations, with personalised charter services also available. The horses will travel aboard one of ten Boeing and Airbus wide-body freighters in temperature-controlled sections of the aircraft inside dedicated stalls fitted with anti-slip floors. The horses’ grooms can travel with them to ease the animals’ stress levels.
“SkyStables goes beyond simply meeting the safety, security and reliability needs of equine owners, offering a more comprehensive air transport solution which is overseen by dedicated and fully trained Etihad Cargo equine managers,” added Knight.
“The animals are well looked after prior to, during, and after the flight, and combined with a dedicated handling team and facilities at our Abu Dhabi hub, we also have approved export and import processes in place with local UAE customs and police, in addition to a full veterinary service at Abu Dhabi International Airport.”
Bookings for SkyStables are now available. To find out more contact: [email protected]
