146 international experts on animal transportation descended on Doha, Qatar, last week for the ATA Conference 2025. Hosted by Qatar Airways Cargo, it was heralded a resounding success, offering “insightful discussions on AVI handling, animal welfare, compliance, and innovation in transport solutions”. The aim was to look at the challenges faced by the industry and define the future of animal transportation. Issues such as animal motion sickness, transport risks, equine transport complexities, and paperwork errors, for example, were discussed, and above all prevention measures developed to ensure animal welfare along the entire the supply chain. The conference was opened by Eric Wilson, SVP Global Sales at Qatar Airways Cargo. Michael Wambold, Head of Cargo Terminal Services participated in a panel on AVI Handling and Animal Welfare, and Willem Lodewijk Berk, Regional Cargo Sales Manager, was appointed ATA President at the event.
Since Qatar Airways Cargo was the host, all those who participated were given the opportunity to visit its state-of-the-art, 5,260 m² Animal Center, that had been inaugurated 10 months previously. The air cargo carrier used the event to reaffirm its commitment to animal welfare. Both Qatar Airways Cargo and ground handler QAS Cargo in Doha are CEIV Live certified, and have recently applied for recertification. The airline works closely with industry leaders to perfect best practices in animal transports, and it runs a pioneering WeQare – Rewild the Planet program, where it carries rescued wild animals back to their natural habitat.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, explained: “The safe transport of live animals requires expertise, collaboration, continuous innovation, and respect for animals. At Qatar Airways Cargo, we are committed to setting the highest standards and supporting industry-wide improvements.” Newly appointed ATA President, Willem Lodewijk Berk, added: “Taking on this role is a great responsibility. The industry is facing new challenges, and it’s essential that we work together to improve safety, compliance, and animal welfare.”
