International logistics company Team Global Express embarked on a unique journey this week and has delivered Giant Panda pair Xing Qiu and Yi Lan to Adelaide Zoo on a special charter flight from China.
The panda pair arrived in Adelaide at 6am local time on Sunday morning following a company-record 16,000km return charter flight, with the only other time the company has transported pandas coming last month when two other Giant Pandas, Fu Ni and Wang Wang, were transported from Adelaide Zoo back to China.
The complex logistics mission involved months of planning and international collaboration.
Chief Operating Officer for Team Global Express Jim Kafanelis says it was a pleasure to be involved in the project.
“Transporting such rare and precious cargo comes with an immense sense of responsibility,” Kafanelis says.
“Team Global Express operates around 500 flights per week, moving everything from parcels, lifesaving medications, machinery equipment and livestock.
“The extensive coordination of the transit of the plane and its crew – including an on-board vet – through multiple countries underscores the level of precision needed to make this mission a success.”
The journey aboard the Texel 737-800BCF included a stop in the Malaysian city of Kota Kinabalu.
The three-year-old pandas will now form a crucial part of Adelaide Zoo’s panda conservation efforts according to Zoos SA Chief Executive Elaine Bensted.
“Xing Qiu and Yi Lan represent the next chapter of our conservation mission,” Bensted says.
“Their arrival allows us to continue inspiring global awareness and love for Giant Panda conservation.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the logistical partnership provided by Air Charter Worldwide and the Team Global Express network.”
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