Hong Kong’s Cathay sent ‘top guns’ to transport giant pandas from Chengdu, aided by team of 90

Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay dispatched its best pilots to fly a pair of adult pandas safely to the city, aided by a professional team of 90 people from different organisations, to ensure the national treasures remained in a healthy and relaxed state throughout their journey.

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.”