In 2024, millions of shipments were flown safely and mostly on time across the world. But numbers are sound and smoke. That’s why we asked air freight operators what unique shipments they handled that stood out from the crowd and will be remembered. We were inspired by DHL, who had launched a corresponding initiative in which they named outstanding shipments. We are therefore starting our “Best of” list with an impressive shipment accomplished by the integrator. Please also read PART 2 of our report.
DHL shipped Eleven Containers of Hope
Transporting a hospital? Yes, that’s possible, too. In February 2024, DHL delivered the world’s first mobile heart clinic across oceans, covering over 9,000 kilometers from Bremen, Germany, to Zacamil, El Salvador. Developed by the German non-profit organization Kinderherzen, the clinic provides lifesaving surgery for children with congenital heart defects in areas that lack specialized facilities. The shipment consisted of 11 containers, transported by sea and road. After a 15-day setup, international heart surgeons began offering free treatments to the country’s young patients. The clinic remained in El Salvador until May 2024, before DHL transferred it to Burundi, East Africa, where it continued its mission.
Condor Flies Emotions
It’s that time of year when people seek to escape seasonal stress and winter’s chill, opting instead for a well-deserved holiday in sunny, blue-water destinations. Whether they plan to relax on a pristine beach or embark on a luxury Caribbean cruise, Condor plays a vital role in making these dreams a reality.
For many years, Condor has ensured that cruise passengers reach their destinations not only in the Caribbean but also in Asia and other parts of the world, now with their brand-new fleet of A330 aircraft. While travelers look forward to enjoying warmer climates and exploring different cultures, they also appreciate maintaining cherished traditions – such as a festive Christmas atmosphere complete with trees and decorations.
This year, Condor delivered 20 Christmas trees to Bridgetown, Barbados, one of which stood an impressive 7 meters tall. Given the limited cargo space of a passenger aircraft, loading such a large tree into the lower deck of an A330 presented a significant logistical challenge. However, the dedicated logistics specialists at Condor made it possible. “It’s a pleasure for us to organize the transport of a Christmas tree, as we can imagine the light in the eyes of travelers when they see it during this season,” said Thilo Schaefer, Director Cargo at Condor.
Transporting a Christmas tree of this size isn’t an everyday task, but for a logistics provider, it’s all part of the job. What makes this kind of shipment unique are the emotions involved – delivering not just cargo but also the magic of the holiday season.
Such an operation requires seamless collaboration among the freight forwarder, handling agent, and airline to ensure smooth execution and timely delivery. Precision is especially critical when transporting a Christmas tree that must arrive in time to be placed on a cruise ship. In these scenarios, there’s no room for error. The successful completion of this mission reflects Condor Cargo’s commitment to going above and beyond – not just transporting goods but delivering joy. As passengers admire the beautifully decorated tree on board their cruise ship, it’s clear that Condor has achieved more than just a logistical service. They’ve brought a piece of home and a sense of festivity to a faraway destination, reminding us all of the emotions tied to the season and the power of thoughtful logistics.
AF-KLM-MP relocates two lions to South Africa
Lions Vasylyna and Nikola embarked on a significant journey on 25APR24, boarding on a Martinair Cargo 747 freighter aircraft that headed for South Africa. Vasylyna and Nikola share remarkably similar backgrounds. Lioness Vasylyna, originally kept as a pet in Ukraine, managed to escape and wandered through the war-affected streets of a village near Kharkiv before being captured and taken to a temporary wildlife shelter in Ukraine. Due to the wartime situation and lack of adequate care and space, she was swiftly relocated to a specialized sanctuary for big cats run by animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS in Friesland, the Netherlands.
Nikola was rescued from illegal private possession by local authorities after ten days of roaming the streets near Budva on the Adriatic coast. Exhausted and malnourished, he was brought to a sanctuary to recover and gain strength again, followed by his and Vasylyna’s journey to LIONSROCK, a lifelong home for big cats in South Africa. “At our animal hotel at Schiphol Airport, we prioritize dedication to providing the best care for our animal passengers. We ensure the highest level of attention and care for every animal, from the moment of arrival to departure,” assures Mirjam Scherer, Global Head of Specials Logistics at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo. In the meantime, the two lions have settled in well in their new home. “While it’s saddening that they never had the chance to be released into the wild due to illegal trade, we are glad to offer them a more natural life at LIONSROCK,” said Petra Sleven, director of FOUR PAWS. Her organization covered the flight expenses.
