HEAVY LIFTING, SENSITIVE CARGO
Pandas travel aboard a FedEx Boeing 777-F, known as the “FedEx Panda Express.”
the turbine and additional cargo being loaded simultaneously. Due to the size of the turbine and limited cargo compartment space, careful millimeter work was necessary, especially during the loading process through the cargo door. Lufthansa Cargo’s loadmasters, trained for such specialized tasks, ensured the turbine was loaded swiftly and securely. To protect the sensitive turbine during the ight, approximately 50 tension belts were used to secure it directly to the aircraft’s structure. This was crucial in preventing vibrations and movements that could have damaged the multi-million-dollar turbine. The turbine reached its destination in optimal condition. Wild Rides: Transporting Rare Animals In 2024, Lufthansa Cargo played a vital role in transporting more than 80 million animals, ensuring safe and ef cient travel for a variety of species. One signi cant mission involved transporting two Siberian tigers from Frankfurt to Almaty in September 2024. These endangered big cats ew on a Lufthansa Cargo freighter before being released into the wild in Kazakhstan under WWF’s supervision. The journey required meticulous planning, with secure enclosures designed to keep the tigers calm and comfortable throughout the ight. Another complex operation involved the transfer of two pygmy hippos from Madrid to Mumbai via Frankfurt in April 2024. Specially designed wooden crates lined with hay and equipped with water buckets ensured the animals' well-being. Zookeepers followed strict dietary and environmental guidelines to minimize stress during the long journey. One of the rarest passengers Lufthansa Cargo transported in 2024 was a highly endangered red panda. The animal, moved between zoos in May, required a climate-controlled chamber to maintain optimal temperatures and reduce stress. A custom-built enclosure with two levels provided space for the agile climber to move comfortably.
Turbines, Tigers, and Treasures: Lufthansa Cargo’s High-Flying Missions Whether transporting a 12-ton aircraft engine, endangered animals, or priceless works of art, Lufthansa Cargo masters precision logistics across the globe. Heavyweights on Board One of the heaviest shipments of 2024 for Lufthansa Cargo involved a 65-ton automotive load. The cargo journeyed from Viracopos, Brazil, to Frankfurt and then to Malmö, Sweden, split across multiple ights to accommodate its size and weight. Another major transport was the General Electric aircraft turbine, own from Beijing to Frankfurt in November 2024. Weighing 12 tons and measuring over 5 meters long and 3 meters high, the turbine’s transportation required precise handling. Time was of the essence, as quick delivery was needed to equip an aircraft and avoid costly delays. Lufthansa Cargo’s Boeing 777 freighter was specially loaded with the turbine in Beijing, a process that required meticulous coordination. Only one hour was allotted for loading, with
The two pandas aboard included two-year-old male Bao Li and two-year- old female Qing Bao. Bao Li is the grandcub of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, whom FedEx transported to China, along with their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, in November 2023. For more than two decades, FedEx has worked with the Chinese government and zoos around the world to safely transport giant pandas to and from China. FedEx donated the transportation costs. Animal care experts from Zoo Atlanta and NZCBI were on board the ights. The animals were the only cargo on both ights, aside from supplies including bamboo, water, and the pandas’ favorite treats. Before their trips, the animals spent time getting familiar with their enclosures to ensure they were safe and comfortable during their journeys. Upon arrival in Chengdu, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun were met by their new keepers on the tarmac before moving to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Once they arrived in Washington, D.C., Bao Li and Qing Bao began their quarantine ahead of their public debut in January 2025. n
A 65-ton automotive load, one of the heaviest ever transported by Lufthansa Cargo,
journeyed across multiple flights as split shipments to accommodate its size and weight.
178 Inbound Logistics • January 2025
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