Emirates SkyCargo continued to extend its global leadership position in the air transport of champion horses.

Despite a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Emirates SkyCargo continued to offer a secure and comfortable journey for horses travelling to compete at international racing and other equine sporting events.

Since April 2020, the carrier has transported more than 1,100 horses on its flights.

The air cargo carrier said it executed three charter flights in February 2021 to transport horses for the Saudi Cup 2021 championship. Emirates SkyCargo operated special flights to fly the horse from Los Angeles and Miami to Riyadh.

Emirates SkyCargo will also be transporting horses during the racing season in Dubai. Over the last few years, the carrier has transported many of the prize winning horses to and from the championship.

The cargo carrier said it transports the horses on a mix of scheduled full freighter flights and charter flights.

"Emirates SkyCargo has developed Emirates Equine, a specialised product for the calm and comfortable transportation of horses on the cargo carrier’s Boeing 777 freighter aircraft," it said in statement.

The carrier said horses are transported inside specially designed horse stalls which are loaded directly inside the aircraft for a smooth boarding experience.

Horse stalls are also fitted with hay nets and grooms travel with the champions on the flight to ensure that they are well looked after during the journey.

Emirates SkyCargo added that it has executed some of the largest horse charters for sporting events in history including around 500 horses flown for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018.