Transporting terracotta treasures
Cathay Cargo has transported ten terracotta warriors and around 200 artefacts from Xi’an to Perth for the exhibition 'Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor'. Organised with Chinese and Australian partners, the pieces are on show at the WA Museum Boola Bardip until February 2026.
Many artefacts are leaving China for the first time. Using its 'Cathay Expert' and 'Cathay Secure' solutions, the airline developed a tailor-made handling and loading plan. The cargo was packed and then monitored all along the route, tracked by GPS and secured according to customer instructions.
"It’s a great privilege to help bring China’s cultural icons to the world," said Tom Owen, director for cargo at Cathay. The freight travelled via Zhengzhou and Cathay’s Hong Kong hub before reaching Perth. Cathay will also manage the return shipment next year. (ah)