Exclusive | Hong Kong’s Cathay sent ‘top guns’ to transport giant pandas from Chengdu, aided by team of 90
Cathay Cargo director Tom Owen shares behind-the-scenes details of how team transported national treasures safely – and with VIP treatment
In an exclusive interview with the Post, Cathay Cargo director Tom Owen revealed behind-the-scenes details of the state-level mission that delivered the pandas, male An An and female Ke Ke, over 1,430km (889 miles) from the Dujiangyan base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Pandas to Hong Kong.
The two-hour cargo flight CX2061 last Thursday was a key part of an almost 12-hour journey between Chengdu and Ocean Park, with the smooth transfer taking place with tailor-made arrangements and after repeated rehearsals involving a team of 90 people.
“The main priority, of course, was to ensure the two VIP guests arrived in Hong Kong safe and relaxed, healthy and in great shape as they moved into their new home,” Owen said. “We made sure there was minimal stress on the pandas on their journey.”
To accomplish the mission, Cathay Cargo dispatched its top pilots for the job and worked with a supporting team of 90 people across different agencies to ensure the pandas’ health and safety.
The team included officials from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Customs and Excise Department, Hong Kong International Airport, ground handling company Hong Kong Airport Services, Cathay Cargo Terminal and Ocean Park, as well as panda experts from Chengdu.
