Aviagen successfully shipped day-old chicks from a hatchery in Baekke located in southern Denmark through Copenhagen Airport to Provita Breeders in Bangladesh. Qatar Airways Cargo transported the shipment from Copenhagen through Doha to the destination. Previously, seasonally cold weather precluded year-round shipments. Aviagen developed the route and coordinated the shipment following concerns over transport restrictions due to avian influenza. Supplying Bangladesh represents a commitment to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-being.
Participants contributing to the success of the operation included:
- The Agricultural Department of Denmark
- DSV Global Transport and Logistics - a freight-forwarding company.
- Airport authorities at Copenhagen
- Aviagen specialists in logistics and export
- Baekke Hatchery personnel
- Qatar Airways Cargo Operations Team
Aviagen’s CEO Jan Henriksen stated, “There is great power when people with similar interests join their talents and efforts to meet a common goal.” He added, “I thank all the dedicated people who have made this shipment a success and paved the way for a new trade route that will help secure the supply of breeding stock to the world’s producers.”
Qatar Airways has installed a climate-controlled handling center in Doha that will accommodate transshipments. Their fleet of freighters and aircraft with belly-hold containers will be able to offer seamless transportation of sensitive cargos.