Over 50 Cavalluna horses Fly into Hong Kong with Cathay Cargo

A momentous milestone in equestrian entertainment unfolded at Hong Kong International Airport as over 50 equine performers arrived calmly from Europe. Stepping out from their travel stalls with unhurried poise, these magnificent animals are preparing for the highly anticipated Asian debut of CAVALLUNA: Gate to the Otherworld at Kai Tak Arena, scheduled for 8 September and continuing from 10 to 13 September 2026. In 23 years of touring and entertaining audiences across more than 30 cities, show producer Apassionata World has never staged this flagship spectacle outside Europe. Cathay Cargo, serving as the official Equine Transport Partner for the landmark event, was honoured to fly the complete cast across continents for the very first time.

Blended with equestrian artistry, modern dance, live music, and immersive theatrical storytelling, CAVALLUNA represents a massive production scale. Orchestrating the 12-hour journey from Liège, Belgium, a strategic European location equipped with dedicated stabling infrastructure and advanced cargo handling facilities, Cathay Cargo deployed a specialized team aboard a chartered Boeing 747 freighter. The airborne cast presented unique logistical challenges, bringing together eight distinct breeds under one roof. From grand Lusitanos and elegant Friesians to charming mini-Shetland ponies, each animal brought its own distinct temperament, customized feeding routine, and specific handling requirements.

To maintain complete safety and peace of mind throughout the transit, Cathay Cargo executed the operation under its specialized Cathay Live Animal solution. Experienced professional grooms who understand the horses’ individual personalities traveled alongside them in the main deck. These grooms continuously monitored hydration, feeding, and overall physical wellbeing while maintaining direct communication with the flight deck. They collaborated closely with flight crews and ground handlers trained specifically in live animal carriage, ensuring that every leg of the journey prioritized animal comfort and welfare.

Cabin environment control was central to the mission. Main deck temperatures were held strictly within the 10 to 19 degrees Celsius range dictated by International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations, compensating for the substantial body heat generated by horses standing inside enclosed travel stalls. The IATA-compliant stalls ensured proper ventilation, generous spatial margins, and structural protection. Additionally, flight crews employed gentler landing techniques whenever operationally appropriate to eliminate abrupt movements that could startle the animals during touchdown.

Reflecting on the complex transport operation, Cathay Director Cargo Dominic Perret said: “CAVALLUNA’s equine performers are at the heart of this production, and their journey to Hong Kong was an intricate performance in its own right. We have carried horses for decades, from racehorses to elite showjumpers, but transporting eight breeds on one aircraft demanded even more from the team. Our role was to make the flight one of the calmest parts of their tour, and every stage was carefully choreographed around the horses’ wellbeing, with the grooms who know them best.”

Highlighting the vital partnership required for such an ambitious international tour, Apassionata World Horse Choreographer Siri Paratsch said: “Our equine performers are of course the most crucial part of the show next to our riders, dancers, and musicians, and each has individual needs. Cathay Cargo’s expertise gave us confidence to bring the show beyond Europe for the first time.”

Upon landing, gentle handling and minimal waiting times defined the transition backstage. Slow-speed tarmac transfers reduced noise and unnecessary movement as the horses moved smoothly to the horse handling platform at Cathay Cargo Terminal. Transporting more than 1,000 horses annually, Cathay Cargo was the first airline in Asia to earn IATA’s prestigious CEIV Live Animals certification, bringing world-class care to every stage of this monumental voyage.