• Live animal transport demands precision and empathy, with airlines balancing strict welfare standards and complex coordination to ensure every living shipment arrives safely
• IATA’s CEIV Live Animals certification sets the global bar, but real excellence comes from trained staff, temperature control, and consistent care across every airport and partner
• For Starlux Airlines, ethics and reputation outweigh revenue, as the carrier invests in empathy-driven operations and prepares for stricter welfare oversight with future A350F freighter capacity

The transport of live animals by airfreight is one of the most complex and scrutinised segments of the global logistics industry. From thoroughbred racehorses worth millions of US dollars to domestic pets being reunited with their families, the task involves not only strict safety and welfare standards but also delicate coordination between airlines, airports, handlers, and regulators.

The stakes are exceptionally high. Animals are living cargo, and unlike pharmaceuticals or electronics, they cannot be replaced if something goes wrong. Temperature swings, delays on the tarmac, or inadequate handling procedures can have devastating consequences. As international trade in livestock, exotic pets, and zoological specimens grows, airlines face mounting pressure.

More than cargo

IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Live Animals certification has become a benchmark for airlines wishing to prove their commitment to welfare standards. It requires rigorous training, documented procedures, and regular audits to ensure that every animal—from day-old chicks to big cats—arrives safely at its destination. Yet certification is only part of the story. Behind the paperwork lies a daily operational challenge: balancing commercial imperatives with the uncompromising ethical obligations.

For James Chiou, Chief Cargo Commercial Officer at Starlux Airlines, the transport of live animals is a responsibility that cannot be reduced to a line on a balance sheet. “The most important thing is that you are dealing with living, breathing beings, not boxes,” he said. “That changes the way you think about every stage of the journey, from booking to delivery.”

Chiou explained that certification under IATA’s CEIV Live Animals programme is vital in setting a standard across carriers. But in his view, the real test comes during operations. “Having the certificate shows the world you can handle the shipments, but animals don’t read certificates. What matters is how you train your people, how you prepare the aircraft, and how you work with partners on the ground,” he said.

Temperature control and stress minimisation are among the key concerns. Horses, for example, often require specially designed stalls, careful loading procedures, and constant monitoring. Smaller animals may need temperature-stable containers and noise reduction measures. “Every species has its own set of requirements,” Chiou noted. “You cannot treat a racehorse the same way you treat day-old chicks, and you cannot treat a pet cat the same way you treat exotic reptiles.”

Such nuances make this cargo segment particularly resource-intensive. Airlines must coordinate closely with veterinarians, shippers, and regulators. They must also factor in transit times, tarmac exposure, and contingency planning in the event of delays. “If a flight is late, it is not just about missed connections—it’s about the welfare of the animals waiting in that aircraft hold,” Chiou added.

Commercial logic and ethical responsibility

Despite the operational complexity, the transport of live animals can be lucrative. Specialist shipments command premium rates, especially when they involve high-value animals. Yet Chiou cautions against treating it as a purely financial exercise. “Yes, there is revenue uplift, but there is also reputational risk. One mistake can undo years of hard work in building trust with shippers and the public,” he said.

Starlux has invested in multiple CEIV certifications, from pharmaceuticals to fresh produce, but Chiou emphasises that live animals carry unique responsibilities. “With semiconductors or lithium batteries, the challenge is about precision and compliance. With animals, the challenge is about empathy. Our staff are trained not just to follow SOPs but to understand that the cargo is alive and feels stress, heat, and noise,” he explained.

Revenue growth in this sector is not expected to rival that of fresh or pharmaceutical shipments, but Chiou sees it as a strategic niche. “The strongest uplift comes from fresh shipments, then pharma,” he acknowledged. “But live animals still play an important role because they differentiate your brand. They show shippers that you can handle complexity, and that builds confidence for other premium cargo too.”

Airlines also face logistical bottlenecks at major hubs. Warehousing space, slot availability, and night operations can directly affect animal shipments. In Taipei, for instance, warehouse congestion is a concern. “We work closely with handling partners to secure priority space and equipment,” Chiou said. “The airport’s 24/7 operations and night-time slots are valuable because they allow us to align with Asia–US and Asia–Europe cut-off times. That means shorter transit times for animals, which is always better for welfare.”

The future 

Looking ahead, Starlux expect stricter scrutiny of animal welfare in transport, particularly from regulators and advocacy groups. 

Chiou believes that a dual strategy—balancing bellyhold capacity with freighters—will help airlines adapt to this demand. “In the near term, bellyhold is still the backbone for us, especially on Asia–North America routes,” he said. “But when we bring in new A350F freighters from 2028, that gives us the ability to selectively open routes that suit animal shipments, whether to North America, Europe, or elsewhere.” 

In the meantime, he sees continued pressure to refine standards across the network. “It is not enough to have good handling at your hub. You need consistency across your partner stations. That is why we run audits, align SOPs, and do joint training. Animals should receive the same standard of care in every airport they pass through,” Chiou said.

The post Flying with Fur and Feathers appeared first on Air Cargo Week.