Intradco Global transports 1,200 breeding pigs to the Philippines

Intradco Global, a company providing equine and animal transport and part of the Chapman Freeborn Group, successfully completed the air shipment of 1,200 breeding pigs from Denmark to the Philippines. The shipment took place in July aboard a full charter of a B747-400 freighter. These pigs are intended for breeding and genetic multiplication at the end-client’s farm in the Philippines, according to an official release from Intradco Global.

Luca Mario Leisi, Account Manager, Live Animal at Intradco Global, explains, a range of specialist solutions were deployed to ensure the pigs travelled safely, hygienically, and with a minimum of distress: “Bespoke solutions were used for this large-scale shipment. We created custom-built wooden transport crates to house the pigs, and these were equipped with extra-large watering systems to ensure comfort and welfare throughout the flight.”

Special care was taken when loading the animals into their crates, including the use of Intradco’s purpose-built ‘pig lift.’ This custom-converted van allows pigs to move comfortably from lorries into their crates without having to navigate steep ramps, a process that can be both stressful and hazardous for the animals, the release added.

“The crates were loaded smoothly and carefully onto the aircraft to ensure minimal stress for the animals,” adds Leisi. “Then, once onboard, their welfare was supervised by one of our specialists and a representative from the client, ensuring all coordination between the handlers and crew was seamless.”

The loading and flight were the culmination of months of preparation, planning, and work on the part of Intradco Global. “We have been closely collaborating with multiple stakeholders for around three months in order to carry out this delivery,” says Leisi. “There was a lot of pre-flight preparation required, including quarantining the animals in a dedicated facility and placing them on a special diet.”

One complication that the team successfully navigated was a last-minute change of departure airport. “This change was skillfully managed by our team,” comments Leisi. “We were able to reconfigure the arrangements quickly and still meet the client's requirements. Overall, during this live animal air transport project, our team used its world-leading expertise, together with thorough processes and robust risk management.”

Intradco Global is the world’s leading live animal air transport provider, trusted by zoos, aquariums, and wildlife conservation organisations around the globe to deliver animals safely, securely, and with the highest standards of welfare.