• 

  British Airways

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  BA/BAW

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport

  Year Founded:

  1974

  Alliance:

  oneworld

  Airline Group:

  IAG

  CEO:

  Sean Doyle

  Country:

  United Kingdom

British Airways last month carried a homing pigeon across the Atlantic Ocean to the United Kingdom after it got lost and ended up in Alabama. The British carrier worked with IAG Cargo to transport the bird on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Wrong turn

In June, Bob was found 4,000 miles (6,400 km) away in the United States after getting lost racing back to Gateshead, Tyneside, from Guernsey, Channel Islands. Bob's owner, Alan Todd, expressed that the pigeon took a wrong turn and landed on a ship that was crossing the Atlantic.

Three weeks later, Bob was found at the home of an Alabama resident. Sadly, Bob was covered in oil, but he was soon cleaned up and checked by a vet. Alabama Animal Shelter traced the pigeon back to North East England. Notably, Bob was wearing a microchip, which helped identify his roots.

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Transatlantic hop

So, the goal was then to somehow reunite Bob back with his owner. IAG Cargo, which has had plenty of experience carrying animals, from lions to turtles, took on the challenge. Being the first pigeon that the company ever transported, it worked with its colleagues at British Airways to get Bob to London Heathrow Airport.

IAG Cargo notes that there are plenty of health requirements to consider. For instance, Bob was required to quarantine for at least 30 days. Still, the fee has been waived by Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC).

Now, Bob and Alan are finally back together. IAG Cargo is proud to be part of this happy ending.

Valerie Hadley, Products Manager at IAG Cargo, shared the following in a statement:

“We are glad to have been able to reunite Bob with his owner Alan. It was an amazing and unique experience to fly out to the US to support Bob’s move back to the UK. I’ve helped fly many animals during my time at IAG Cargo. However participating in a rescue mission for a lost and subsequently found racing pigeon is a first. Although this move wasn’t one we had initially planned for, IAG Cargo’s global network meant we had the capacity and routes available to bring Bob safely back home.”

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Of course, it wasn’t only the airline that was grateful for Bob’s safety. Alan shared his emotions with the following:

“I am delighted to be able to have Bob back with me in Gateshead and that wouldn’t have been possible without the help of IAG Cargo. The cargo staff haven been supportive throughout and have guided me through the process on how they will bring Bob back home. In terms of what is next for the star pigeon, Bob was unavailable for comment but according to owner Alan… “He will be treated like royalty. I will give him a nice hot bath and make sure he has his favourite seed in.”

Plenty to consider

It can be a complex operation to transport animals safely and securely, especially on long-haul flights. There are many variables even when carrying familiar pets, including animal size, animal age, animal breed, destination requirements, and aircraft type.

With all these factors to take into account, there are even airlines dedicated to this sole task. Understandably, animal owners want the best care taken while their loved ones are in the air.

Even though IAG Cargo was formally founded in 2011, its history of transporting animals dates back over seven decades ago. Altogether, the firm used its experience to transport Bob over the Atlantic safely.

What are your thoughts about this transatlantic return trip? What do you make of the overall situation? Let us know what you think in the comment section.