Cathay Cargo transports 10 terracotta figures, over 200 artefacts

Cathay Cargo transported 10 terracotta army figures and over 200 artefacts from Xi’an to Perth via Hong Kong for the Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor exhibition.

The event was organised by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration with support from the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Centre, the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum and the Western Australian (WA) Museum Boola Bardip, says an official release from Cathay.

"The transportation demonstrates Cathay Cargo’s expertise in handling special cargo, and its commitment to excellence and precision in moving invaluable cultural treasures."

 Tom Owen, Director Cargo, Cathay says: "The terracotta warriors are among China’s most iconic cultural treasures. It is a great privilege to help bring Chinese culture to the world by transporting these important relics from their home in Xi’an to Perth for the exhibition, ensuring their safe transport at every step of their journey.

"Transporting these unique pieces of history involved meticulous preparation and close collaboration between our teams, partners and authorities in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and Australia to ensure every detail was carefully considered. We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase Cathay Cargo’s expertise in handling special cargo and demonstrate that We Know How."

While the statues and artefacts originate in Xi’an, they were first transported to Zhengzhou where they were then flown to Australia via Cathay’s Hong Kong hub and transported to their final destination in Perth, the release added.

Jason Fair, Director, Museums and Exhibitions, WA Museum Boola Bardip adds: "What makes this exhibition unique and the first of its kind is its impressive collection of priceless artefacts. Most of the objects have never been seen in Australia before, with nearly half leaving China for the first time. It is our mission to inspire curiosity. We hope people gain an understanding of the culture, history and people of China as well as this pivotal moment in Chinese history."

Cathay Cargo will transport these artefacts back to Xi’an in 2026 after the exhibition’s conclusion, the release added.