The giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia will arrive in Singapore on 6 September 2012, flown in comfort from Chengdu on board a Singapore Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 freighter.

Throughout their journey, the cabin temperature will be kept at between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, consistent with the temperature of the pandas’ natural habitat in Sichuan. A team of keepers and vets from both China and Singapore will also keep them company on the flight to ensure their well-being.

Once the pandas arrive in Singapore, they will be transported to their new home, the River Safari, in a temperature-controlled vehicle.

Singapore Airlines is the Official Airline for the giant panda collaborative programme between Wildlife Reserves Singapore, parent company of the River Safari, and the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

Under the sponsorship agreement, Singapore Airlines will be transporting the pandas to Singapore. Singapore Airlines and SilkAir are also providing air tickets for training and exchange programmes involving zookeepers, veterinarians and researchers from both Singapore and China.

“The need for preservation of our environment and natural resources has never been more pressing, and as the Official Airline for the giant panda collaborative programme, Singapore Airlines is honoured to play our part in promoting the conservation of these endangered animals,” said SIA Executive Vice President for Human Resources and Operations, Mr Ng Chin Hwee, who is also Chairman of SIA Cargo.