Air Horse One: A private jet for the equine passenger
While we’re used to flying with pets here at PrivateFly, some animals require more specialised air travel. And at over 1,000 pounds and well over 7 feet tall, a race horse is not your average air passenger.
Race horses require very careful handling when they travel to attend races. So in the US – where the distances mean air travel is a more frequent requirement – there’s a specialised operator, Sutton Forwarding, with a very unusual aircraft, affectionately known as ‘Air Horse One’.
With our US office based at Fort Lauderdale International Airport, our US team have spotted it landing many times.
Much like Boeing airliners can be reconfigured on the inside to create a supersized private jet called a Boeing Business Jet, this Boeing 727 has been very specifically outfitted to transport horses.
Air Horse One accommodates up to 21 prized thoroughbreds, quarter horses, show jumpers, eventers and dressage horses. From the extra large cargo door and padded stalls; to the hay and water sources, this aircraft has one of the most unusual interiors in aviation.
In addition to the horses themselves, there’s space on board for their trainers and groomers.
And while it may seem like the height of pampering to fly a horse on a private aircraft, it can make a world of difference to a race horse’s wellbeing to move them from A to B as quickly as possible. When long distances are involved, the stress of a multi-day trip in a horsebox can take a big toll, versus just a few hours in the air.
And when you consider the huge prizes these horses are able to win at races, and how much investment (and dedication) is put into their breeding and training, the average $3,150-$5,000 flight cost per equine passenger is put into perspective.
The main concern when flying horses is to make sure they drink more than they would on the ground as, just like humans, they can become dehydrated more easily in the drier air. So the aircraft has to carry a lot of water onboard.
Air Horse One is used mainly for domestic US travel as quarantine restrictions can limit horses’ international travel, but they do occasionally fly further afield.
For any private jet charter advice (including flying with your pets) contact us or call 24/7 on +44 (0)20 7100 6960.
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