Here we present other unique cargo transports that will be remembered by everyone involved beyond 2024. We start with a topic sent to us by Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer, Challenge Group.
Challenge mastered the Tesla challenge
At Challenge Group, we specialize in end-to-end logistics solutions for complex, non-standard cargo. Among the diverse industries we serve, automotive logistics stands out as a testament to our adaptability and expertise.
A remarkable milestone in our journey was transporting the Tesla Cybertruck – a vehicle that embodies innovation and the evolving demands of the automotive industry – across the Atlantic. Being entrusted with this futuristic prototype took the level of our operational responsibility to new heights. Thanks to decades of air freight experience and an amazing team of experts, we ensured a seamless process, delivering the Tesla Cybertruck safely and in perfect condition.
This achievement reflects not only our operational excellence but also our commitment to staying ahead of the curve. As the automotive industry continues to innovate, we do the same. At Challenge Group, we continuously adapt our processes to meet the unique challenges posed by groundbreaking vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck, exceeding customer expectations every step of the way. By combining expertise, precision, and a passion for airfreight and logistics, Challenge Group remains at the forefront of global airfreight solutions, ready to embrace the future of automotive logistics. Wherever innovation takes flight, we’re here to deliver.
Swiss WorldCargo transported Raymi first class
Raymi is an endangered Andean bear who needed a new home to support the conservation of his species. Swiss WorldCargo stepped up to the challenge and safely moved Raymi in the fall of 2024, from his base in the U.S. to his new habitat at Zoo Zurich.
The shipping operation was more than a routine transport — Raymi needed a well-coordinated effort to ensure his welfare and contribute to biodiversity efforts. From meticulous planning to compliance with complex wildlife regulations, Swiss WorldCargo handled each phase of Raymi’s journey with an eye for safety and animal care, contributing to wildlife conservation through careful, compassionate logistics.
In the words of Dominik Ryser, Head of Communication at Zoo Zurich: “In order to continue breeding and thus make an important contribution to preserving the reserve population in zoos, Raymi is particularly valuable, as his genes are not yet present in the European zoo population. Genetic diversity is important for a stable population.”
Transporting wildlife internationally goes beyond getting a cargo ticket. There are many regulations and policies to consider, especially when moving between two highly-regulated continents: North America and Europe. Each step of the documentation process was essential to maintaining compliance with laws governing protected species. This meant securing veterinary clearances, import and export permits, and customs approvals. Before departure in the U.S., Raymi underwent pre-flight health checks by a team of veterinarians to ensure the bear was fit for the journey. The team at Swiss WorldCargo collaborated with animal health experts to address every aspect of Raymi’s in-flight needs, including temperature-controlled conditions, dietary provisions, and steps to reduce potential travel stress. After a successful flight and arrival in Switzerland, Swiss WorldCargo coordinated its ‘special passenger’ handover to Zoo Zurich’s staff and ensured a seamless transition for the Andean bear. The process was carefully managed to give Raymi a calm welcome experience.
WestJet Cargo’s lifesaving missions
In 2024, and in the years before, WestJet Cargo played a vital role in lifesaving missions by transporting essential medical shipments, including blood, plasma, and tissue, across Canada and beyond. These shipments, crucial for medical treatments, transplants, and emergency responses, represent the heartbeat of the Canadian carrier’s cargo operations.
Transporting medical materials requires precision, speed, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Each shipment is handled with the utmost care, and arrives promptly through the airline’s priority product, to support urgent healthcare needs. From coast to coast, the team works to ensure hospitals and clinics receive these critical supplies on time.
Beyond the role in logistics, the WestJet Cargo team is deeply committed to supporting healthcare in other meaningful ways. Many team members donated blood throughout the year, recognizing the life-changing impact of such contributions. This dedication extends into 2025, as the airline continues to give back and strengthen the connection to the communities it serves.
Every blood and tissue shipment carried is a testament to WestJet Cargo’s dedication to helping save lives and supporting medical advancements. At WestJet Cargo, the employees are proud to serve as a trusted partner in healthcare logistics while contributing personally to the cause through the team’s ongoing blood donations. And here is a little context about the picture attached: To further engage with CBS, WestJet Cargo employees participated in a blood donation drive that took place on Tuesday, 19NOV24, with participation from Calgary, Alberta-based employees and sales managers across Canada, at CBS locations in their own provinces. The blood donation drive aimed to reinforce WestJet Cargo’s dedication to health and well-being while contributing to the annual 300,000 blood donations facilitated by CBS Partners for Life groups.
Large and heavy loads are no problem for Lufthansa Cargo
The General Electric aircraft engine that Lufthansa Cargo transported from Beijing to Frankfurt in NOV24, was over five meters long, three meters high, and weighed twelve tons. As always, fast transport was very important in order to equip an aircraft with the engine and avoid long ground times. After all, flight cancellations or delays can result in high consequential costs.
The aircraft engine’s journey with Lufthansa Cargo began at Beijing Capital International Airport. The efficient handling of this large and sensitive cargo worth several million euros, required a great deal of organization. Before the shipment arrived at the airport, all processes were planned in detail and coordinated with the freight forwarder to keep storage time to a minimum.
The turbine was transported to the apron on a heavy-duty dolly at the exact time the Boeing 777 freighter arrived. Only one hour was available for the entire loading process. In addition to the engine, other cargo had to be loaded on the main deck. Everything had to be done quickly and safely. This was the job of specially trained loadmasters for ‘AC Engine Movements’ from Frankfurt, who were responsible for the safe loading and securing of the engine. Lufthansa Cargo’s ‘Loadability Team’ flies around the globe to supervise the loading and unloading of special shipments, to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Due to the size of the GE turbine and the limited space in the cargo hold, precision work and careful coordination were required, especially when loading through the cargo door. Some 50 lashing straps secured the turbine directly to the aircraft structure during the flight to protect it from vibration and movement. Projects of this kind require not only technical expertise, but also close cooperation between all partners involved. They are a good example of how the company enables global business and connects markets and industries with high quality.
