Hi All,
It was not quite the 2006 film Snakes on a Plane at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), but there were real eels — dozens of them — writhing on the tarmac during a recent incident captured on video.
Air Canada Cargo says in a statement that it was handling a shipment of eels from Toronto to Vancouver on July 7 when one container box accidentally spilled during unloading. British Columbia reported. This may have brought bad image to airline though.
Alright, let’s dive into a topic that’s both fascinating and quite intricate – live animal handling in aviation. Ever wondered how airlines manage to transport live eels, fish, crabs, and other marine creatures? It’s a pretty complex process, but super interesting.
First off, live animal transportation by air isn’t as simple as popping them into a box and sending them off. Airlines have to follow strict guidelines and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of these creatures. For live eels, fish, and crabs, it’s all about maintaining the right environment. They need to be kept at specific temperatures, have enough oxygen, and be packed in a way that minimizes stress.
For example, live fish and crabs often travel in specially designed containers that keep water at the right temperature and oxygenated. Eels, on the other hand, might be packed in damp moss or seaweed to keep them moist and comfortable. Airlines also have dedicated staff trained in handling live animals, ensuring they check the conditions regularly throughout the flight.
Some must also be kept aligned for Live animal handlings such as these below:
- Bookkeeping must be confirmed until the last destination (transit), Try to choose direct flight, if it must undergoes transit, then choose the flight having transit stop with minimum connecting time.
- Departure must consider arrival time in the destination station on the office day/hours, so that the quarantine business may be finished on the day/ hours of aircraft arrival.
- Must pay attention to the limitation of (total animal, packing type, weight and dimension / size, etc.) permitted for each type of aircraft together with the flight duration, check circulation of Engineering Department and regulation: IATA Live Animals Regulations – labeling and packing.
- Captain must be informed in writing through NOTOC ( Notification to Captain ). on transported Life Animal.
Types of live animal which are popular to be transported by aircraft:
- live fish
- live tropical fish
- live lobster
- live squilla mantis
- live crab
- live turtles
- live eel
- live snake
- day old chick
- pets – dog, cat, bird, etc
Now, why is there always a demand for live animals? It’s largely about freshness and quality. Many cuisines around the world, especially in Asia, put a high premium on fresh, live seafood. Restaurants and markets want to offer their customers the best, and live animals ensure the food is as fresh as possible.
Moreover, some species are considered delicacies and fetch high prices when sold live. For instance, live groupers and crabs are highly sought after in places like China and Japan. This constant demand keeps the supply chain active and airlines busy.
Marine Products Exported from Indonesia
Indonesia is a major player when it comes to exporting marine products. The country’s diverse marine life makes it a hub for a variety of seafood. Among the most commonly exported products are live groupers, crabs, lobsters, prawns, and assorted fish species. These marine products are prized in international markets for their quality and freshness.
Live groupers, in particular, are a big hit in Hong Kong and Singapore due to their delicate taste and texture. Crabs and lobsters from Indonesia also find their way to high-end restaurants around the world. The sustainable and responsible fishing practices in Indonesia have helped maintain the supply while ensuring the marine ecosystem isn’t overly disrupted.
So, handling live animals in aviation is a task that demands precision, care, and a lot of expertise. The never-ending demand for these animals is driven by the global appetite for fresh, high-quality seafood, particularly in regions where culinary traditions value live products. Indonesia, with its rich marine biodiversity, plays a crucial role in this global market, exporting a variety of live marine products that are highly prized worldwide. It’s a fascinating intersection of logistics, culinary culture, and international trade, showing just how interconnected our world is.
Salam Sehat Semangat Sukses
Bambang Purnomo , SS-BA, CSCA, CAVM Solution Consultant