Cargolux Airlines International has transported 230 tonnes of artwork from the US to Basel, Switzerland for the Art Basel Fair 2019.

The artwork, totalling 104 pallets were spread out over eight flights, with three originating from Los Angeles and five from New York.

Upon arrival in Luxembourg, the cargo was loaded on board 31 trucks for the final leg of the journey.

The shipment was handled by the airline in coordination with its forwarding partners Masterpiece, Dietl and Hasenkamp.

Christian Theis, global product manager for CV precious says: “We are thrilled to have been approached for this important and invaluable transport. Cargolux has a solid experience in the handling of sensitive commodities and is recognised in the industry as a leading provider of such services. Requests for sensitive shipments like this one reflect our customers’ trust in our service offering.”

Jordan Starr-Bochicchio, manager of art fair services at Masterpiece International says: “It was clear that Cargolux took this very seriously, and committed the necessary resources and time required to make sure that everything happened as planned, at both JFK and Luxembourg. We look forward to the next opportunity to work with your team on a project of this scale.”

The other two partners were happy, with Allison Fulgieri, art fair services manager at Dietl International saying: “It was a pleasure working with the entire Cargolux team.”

Dr Thomas Schneider from Hasenkamp’s fine art division says: “Hasenkamp is proud to have found a longstanding partner in Cargolux for the safe handling and transport of artwork to Basel. We are looking forward to deepen our fruitful cooperation in the future.”

The art pieces will be exhibited at the Basel Messe for a week and comprises the work of about 4,000 artists from around the world.