Learn more about the transportation of 50 polo horses from Miami to Madrid

During its over 80 years of existence, LAN CARGO has acquired vast experience in transporting live animals. The company constantly transports animals of diverse species, especially horses.

A few months ago, LAN CARGO carried out the year’s biggest horse transport operation when it flew 50 polo horses from Miami to Madrid in one of its Boeing 777F cargo aircraft.

Learn more about the arrival of horses at Barajas Airport in Madrid.

Miami, the starting point of the journey for the 50 horses, is one of the five most important cargo airports in the world. It is in Miami that LAN CARGO’s headquarters are located, including facilities spread over an area of 51,000 m² and air-conditioned warehouses for perishable products, spanning 8,000 m². The airport also houses export and import terminals, cold chambers, warehouses and offices.
The airport is one of LAN CARGO’s most important hubs since it serves as the connection point for transporting cargo to diverse destinations around the world.
LAN CARGO has acquired vast experience in this type of shipment, transporting elephants, rhinos, giraffes, horses, dolphins, penguins and other species. Transporting live animals is a challenge that LAN CARGO undertakes practically every week, which varies according to the animal species and magnitude of the operation.
A few months ago, the company carried out the year’s biggest horse transport operation when it flew 50 horses in one of its Boeing 777F cargo aircraft in partnership with Colt International of the United States. The Argentine polo horses were flown from Miami to Madrid to participate in the international polo competition held every year in Sotogrande, Spain.
The horses traveled in groups of three, in stables specially built for this journey by Newport Cargo Argentina y Unicorn S.A. They were taken care of by four specialists, dedicated exclusively to fulfilling all their needs.
Upon arrival at Barajas Airport, LAN CARGO was assisted by Iberia for disembarking the animals. The Spanish company had made special handling arrangements to receive the aircraft and provide special care during landing. The horses were disembarked and transported in trucks to their final destination.
Around 700 horses are transported to Europe every year, with not more than 20 animals flown at a time, on average. The high season starts in April and May and ends in June and July, which coincides with the polo season.
In the case of Miami, around 500 horses are transported a year, 10 at a time, on average. In this case, the high season is between December and February and, as with Europe, coincides with the polo season in the United States.