This Winter 2025 EVA reaches you around the halfway point of the falconry season, a period of incredible cultural and historical significance across the Middle East. Running from October to March, the season sees birds sometimes valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars being flown across the region. Many falcons are flown on chartered business jets, often from summer homes in cooler climates. Suitably intrigued by the possibility of a falcon arriving in a Falcon, EVA caught up with Claudia Krajhanzl, Vice President Passenger IMEA at charter specialist Chapman Freeborn, to learn more
Falconry is steeped in tradition and immensely important across the Middle East and Gulf regions. Chapman Freeborn has expertise in moving these valuable birds, but why do owners move their falcons over long distances?
Falcons are frequently transported across the region and internationally to support a wide range of activities, including high-profile falcon races, traditional hunting expeditions and important cultural events.
Do some birds live overseas, where it is cooler, during the summer months and visit the Middle East only to fly in the autumn and winter when the temperature there is more suitable for them?
Some owners do keep their falcons in cooler climates during the summer and bring them back to the Middle East for the autumn and winter flying season. Practices vary, and while we specialise in aviation rather than falconry, this is a pattern we commonly see among our clients.
Regardless of their value, the birds are live animals. How do you ensure their welfare? Do they fly with human attendants and are vet checks required? An aircraft cabin can be quite stressful for animals and even more so the noise and activity of a busy ramp – how do the birds react to pressure changes and aircraft noises, and the ramp environment?
Falcons are typically transported hooded, which helps keep them calm in what can indeed be a visually and audibly overwhelming environment. This is standard practice in falcon transportation and remains essential throughout the flight. Handlers accompany the birds and monitor them closely, while veterinary checks may be required depending on the route and regulations. At the airport and on the ramp, our team coordinates with ground staff to minimise exposure to noise, activity and weather extremes, ensuring the birds’ welfare is protected at every stage of the journey.
Each falcon must have a ‘passport’, among other regulatory requirements. What additional documentation is needed?
In addition to a falcon passport, several regulatory documents are required to ensure compliance and protect animal health. Typically, these include a falcon export certificate and valid vaccination records. These documents confirm legal ownership and verify that the bird is healthy and free from infectious diseases, meeting both Customs and biosecurity requirements for international transport.
These birds are sufficiently valuable and of such prestige that there is a significant black market around them. How do you ensure their security in your care and check that the organisation chartering through Chapman Freeborn is not engaging in illegal activity?
We follow strict compliance procedures and thoroughly vet every company and individual we work with to ensure all movements are legitimate. The required falcon export certificate also verifies legal ownership, helping to prevent any involvement in illegal activity. These measures, combined with our internal security protocols, ensure the birds remain safe and fully compliant throughout their journey.
Considering the prestige and ancient history of falconry in the Middle East, do you consider Chapman Freeborn’s expertise in moving these birds a significant feather in the company’s cap?
Yes, transporting falcons is certainly a point of pride for Chapman Freeborn. Given the cultural significance and longstanding tradition of falconry in the Middle East, our expertise in handling these specialised movements highlights the trust our clients place in us and reinforces our reputation in the region.
Do you have customers who choose to fly themselves, their families and their birds – that is, they trust Chapman Freeborn for all their needs?
Yes, we do. Some clients choose to fly themselves, their families and their falcons together, relying on Chapman Freeborn to manage all aspects of their travel.
Falcons are regularly flown in business jets, but Chapman Freeborn has access to all kinds of charter aircraft. Horses therefore feature regularly among the live cargo you move; what other animals go flying?
Falcons are often moved on business jets, but Chapman Freeborn can employ a wide range of aircraft depending on requirements. Horses are among the most common live animals transported globally and for more specialised movements, our sister company Intradco Global provides extensive expertise. They regularly handle a variety of species, including livestock, zoo animals, and other high-value or sensitive animals.