Emirates SkyCargo said it is transporting 247 racehorses from Liege Airport in Belgium to Haneda in Tokyo, via Dubai, for the Olympics happening from July 23 to August 8.

In a statement, the cargo carrier noted that it will operate eight charter flights to fly all the horses — the first flight with 36 dressage horses has already landed at Haneda airport. 

The carrier noted that it has also collaborated with equine logistics specialist, Peden Bloodstock, to safely transport the animals to and from Tokyo. The horses are safely being transported inside 131 specially designed stalls, provided by Emirates SkyCargo.

Emirates SkyCargo noted that 59 grooms will also be flying with the horses on the eight flights to ensure that the horses are well cared for, fed, and watered during the journey from Liege.

In addition, it will also be transporting 20 tonnes of inflight food and drink for the horses along with 100 tonnes of special equipment for the onward journey from Liege.

The horses will race for teams from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Japan, and the UK, as well as individuals from Brazil, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, and Morocco. 

Emirates SkyCargo said the horses will be transported using its Boeing 777 freighter aircraft capable of transporting around 100 tonnes of cargo per flight.