Equitrans Logistics successfully transported 46 horses and 3.5 tons of equipment from Muscat in Oman to Basel for the Swiss Military Tattoo on behalf of the Royal Cavalry of Oman Mounted Pipe Band.

The movement in July required a chartered Boeing 777F aircraft and utilised 17 Qatar Cargo jet stalls to transport the 46 horses and assorted musical instruments safely.

Due to a ban on the import of large animals by air at Switzerland’s Border Inspection Post, Equitrans chose to operate the flight into Liege in Belgium, before continuing the onward journey by road to Basel, Switzerland. 

Equitrans managed the pre-export quarantine, testing and health preparation in Oman and on arrival in Europe the team ensured the horses remained in isolation and under veterinary supervision.

This then allowed the animals to return directly from Europe without additional quarantine or testing for their return, said the company.

The shipment comprised of 41 Arabian horses with an additional two Warmbloods and three Shire horses. Given the considerable size of the Shire horses, the flight team customised jet stalls to ensure maximum comfort during the  six hours and 30 minute flight from Oman. 

Equitrans managing director David Robson said: “It was a real honour to once again ensure this unique equestrian troupe arrived at their event with fresh and happy horses. Primarily thanks to the care received from their very own team of professional Equitrans flying grooms of course.” 

“In total, the relatively complex operation involving quarantine, testing and managing numerous temporary import approvals took around two months to oversee from start to finish and was handled seamlessly by Equitrans Ops team leader Stroud Deavall.”

The event was not the first time Equitrans has transported the Royal Cavalry of Oman Mounted Pipe Band overseas to perform. In 2018 the company moved 31 horses and 2,400kg of equipment for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland.  

To read the full Air Cargo News story visit: here.