Challenge Group has announced that it has successfully renewed the IATA CEIV Live Animals Certification, a recognition that reaffirms its longstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence in the safe and professional transportation of live animals across the globe.
With decades of expertise, Challenge Group has become one of the world’s most trusted carriers for the transport of horses.
This reputation has been earned through years of experience, a deep understanding of the unique requirements of live animal transport, and continuous investment in people, facilities, and innovation.
At the heart of its operations stands the state-of-the-art Horse Inn facility in Liège, considered one of the finest of its kind worldwide.
More than a transit hub, the Horse Inn is a benchmark for animal welfare and logistics efficiency, and it has become the preferred gateway for industry stakeholders involved in the transport of horses and livestock.
Its design and operation reflect a singular focus: ensuring that animals travel safely, comfortably, and with the highest standards of care.
The renewed certification also reflects Challenge Group’s sustained investments in specialised teams and infrastructure.
A dedicated workforce, trained to IATA standards, is fully committed to overseeing every detail of live animal transport, ensuring that professionalism and compassion guide every step of the journey.
Alongside its people, Challenge Group has developed tailored equipment and processes to support its operations.
These include ULDs, areas for the cleaning and storage of stalls, and even a prototype horse trailer that enables rapid, safe transfers between the Horse Inn and the aircraft.
Each year, Challenge Group manages the movement of approximately 8,000 horses, with over 5,000 of these transported on its own fleet of Boeing 747 aircraft, primarily across the Atlantic.
The aircraft are uniquely equipped to support the welfare of their precious passengers, with pre-cooling systems, temperature-controlled throughout the flight, and designated seating for grooms. This combination of care and technical excellence has positioned the Group as a leader in equine logistics.
Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer of Challenge Group, said: “Thanks to the commitment of our vertical and operational teams, and the support of the IATA Certification Auditors, we are glad to be recertified.
“This achievement reaffirms our dedication to operational excellence and raising standards in this highly specialised vertical.
“We are proud to offer our customers a top-notch service, complemented by a wide range of ancillary logistics solutions, making our end-to-end product value proposition the best answer to their global logistics needs.”
