IAG Cargo’s superjumbo to Miami brings in heavyweight customers

OCT 27, 2015: IAG Cargo is welcomed six V.I.Ps on British Airways’ first A380 flight to Miami. The six rhinos are embarking on a heavyweight journey from Johannesburg to Miami to ensure the continued genetic diversity for breeding programmes which are part of a global conservation effort.

Gabriella Tamasi, product manager, Live Animals at IAG Cargo, explained, “With these rhinos weighing one metric tonne each, they take up a lot of space, so we need an aircraft that can handle them. Importantly, the A380 allows us to control the hold temperature to within one degree of accuracy – which is really important as rhinos give off a lot of body heat and we need to keep the temperature as comfortable as possible for these magnificent creatures. ”

On the aircraft, specialists from IAG Cargo as well as veterinary teams will be available every step of the way to ensure a comfortable and relaxed flight. The creatures will be transported via IAG Cargo’s Live Animals product, which specialises in the movement of animals of all types: from dogs and cats to lions and rhinos.