Challenge Group has announced that it has successfully renewed the IATA CEIV Live Animals Certification, a recognition that reaffirms its longstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence in the safe and professional transportation of live animals across the globe.

At the heart of its operations stands the state-of-the-art Horse Inn facility in Liège, considered one of the finest of its kind worldwide. More than a transit hub, the Horse Inn is a benchmark for animal welfare and logistics efficiency, and it has become the preferred gateway for industry stakeholders involved in the transport of horses and livestock. Its design and operation reflect a singular focus: ensuring that animals travel safely, comfortably, and with the highest standards of care.

The renewed certification also reflects Challenge Group’s sustained investments in specialized teams and infrastructure. A dedicated workforce, trained to IATA standards, is fully committed to overseeing every detail of live animal transport, ensuring that professionalism and compassion guide every step of the journey. Alongside its people, Challenge Group has developed tailored equipment and processes to support its operations. These include ULDs, areas for the cleaning and storage of stalls, and even a prototype horse trailer that enables rapid, safe transfers between the Horse Inn and the aircraft.

Each year, Challenge Group manages the movement of approximately 8,000 horses, with over 5,000 of these transported on its own fleet of Boeing 747 aircraft, primarily across the Atlantic. The aircraft are uniquely equipped to support the welfare of their precious passengers, with pre-cooling systems, temperature-controlled throughout the flight, and designated seating for grooms. This combination of care and technical excellence has positioned the Group as a leader in equine logistics.

As global demand for livestock transport continues to grow, Challenge Group has seen increasing activity in its charter division. Dedicated flights, often from France and Denmark to Asia, have become an essential service in meeting the needs of a rising population, while seasonal horse movements and major equestrian competitions add further momentum to this specialized vertical. Most recently, Challenge Group proudly transported elite horses to Canada for the 50th anniversary of Spruce Meadows, one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events.

Reflecting on the achievement, Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer of Challenge Group, said:

“Thanks to the commitment of our vertical and operational teams, and the support of the IATA Certification Auditors, we are glad to be recertified. This achievement reaffirms our dedication to operational excellence and raising standards in this highly specialized vertical. We are proud to offer our customers a top-notch service, complemented by a wide range of ancillary logistics solutions, making our end-to-end product value proposition the best answer to their global logistics needs.”