beluga flight was a huge
undertaking that required
months of planning and
preparation to guarantee
the whales’ welfare and the
maintenance of stringent
operational constraints.
The success of the outcome
was a true reflection of the
dedication and hard work
that animates the carrier’s
teams throughout the
organisation. The unforeseen
issues were a huge challenge,
but ones that were brilliantly
overcome. When asked if
they would do it again,
despite the complexity, all
parties agreed that they
would, without a second
thought. SPECIALIST
CARGO
and documents to ensure a smooth transit. With the number
of different organisations involved in the project, Cargolux’s
Shanghai team played an important role in co-ordinating all
parties’ requests and assisting with administrative tasks and
airport authorities’ requirements. As one of the busiest airports in
the world, security, safety and slots are tight throughout the day.
With such a complex flight departing from Pudong airport, there
were numerous aspects to consider, such as ramp access, customs
clearances and warehouse arrangements.
To ensure a smooth loading and clearance process, the team
in the airport started preparing the groundwork and making the
necessary provisions well ahead of the belugas’ departure date.
They had been involved in the co-ordination of the D-Day’s
events and timings and had made the arrangements with the
relevant parties for acceptance, security and the handling of the
precious cargo. In addition, they were involved in arranging
the load plan and pallet building, as well as ULD and material
control, all crucial elements for the timely loading of the whales.
Cargolux’s engineer, Michael Verhuelsdonk, who travelled on
board the flight with the belugas, headed to Shanghai ahead of
the transport to undergo training on how to operate the water
system in the animals’ containers. The main focus of the training
was about the set-up on board of LX-ECV and how to adapt
the water level within the belugas’ containers, along with an
assessment of how to react in case of a malfunction or leak in the
water system. He also supervised the loading, along with the team
in Shanghai, to ensure that the containers were properly secured
and the support system fully functional.
A total involvement
The airline was truly involved throughout the transport
procedure and provided assistance every step of the way. What
really differentiated this live animal carriage from the others
that Cargolux routinely undertakes was the sheer involvement
We dealt with
many issues that
normally we, as an
airline, do not look
into
Marc Roveri, Head of Global Customer
Services, Cargolux
of team members. As Roveri
highlights: “There were a
certain amount of gaps in the
preparation where Cargolux
itself had to come up with
solutions. We dealt with
many issues that normally
we, as an airline, do not look
into. In hindsight, it was
beneficial for all that we were
as highly involved, even for
these issues.”
It is no secret that the
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