Emirates SkyCargo has reaffirmed its commitment to help fight wildlife trafficking.

Emirates' cargo arm said the Group has a zero-tolerance policy on the illegal wildlife trade and supports various projects to combat its transport.

"Every day, Emirates SkyCargo supports global supply chains, connecting businesses with suppliers and customers in over 145 destinations worldwide. But, the illegal wildlife trade is one supply chain we will not facilitate – in fact, we proudly disrupt it," said Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice president of Emirates SkyCargo.

"By refusing to carry trafficked wildlife, the land, air, and sea logistics network is in the unique position to stop the illicit trade in its tracks."

Abbas noted that Emirates implements education and awareness programs for its staff and customers. It also updates its operational protocols in line with the latest guidance from welfare organizations and governments.

"We will continue working to keep wildlife wild," he said.

From its early days, Emirates SkyCargo established a zero-tolerance policy on the illegal wildlife trade, a complete ban on hunting trophies for the Big 4, even into destinations where it is permitted, and embargoes on the carriage of banned species and other associated products.

Emirates SkyCargo said it will not uplift shark fins, rhino horns or elephant tusks, leopard skins, and a number of other coveted but illegal products.   

The freight division of Emirates has also implemented stringent protocols to identify and stop the movement of these products, including screenings, spot checks during transit, in-depth document verification, and confirming the authenticity of permits to ensure every shipment is legal.

Lending this experience to the ecosystem, Emirates SkyCargo noted that it supported Project Vikela, which aimed to develop an automated system for detecting illegal wildlife products in airport security screening systems across Africa. Due to its rich and unique wildlife, the trade targets this region disproportionately.

The embargoes Emirates SkyCargo implements are also ever-evolving. Following the African Union's landmark decision to ban the slaughter of donkeys in 2024, the cargo arm immediately extended its embargo to cover donkey hides. 

Emirates SkyCargo said it has also supported animal welfare organizations with various rescue missions.

"It is not just the air freight division that supports the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking; it's a commitment across the entire Emirates Group," the announcement said.

It added that in 2023, this was reinforced when the airline achieved the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification, which includes a module on illegal wildlife trafficking across both cargo and passenger operations. 

"Protecting wildlife is built into the Emirates Environmental Sustainability Framework, marking it as a core part of our DNA ... We take our responsibility seriously and remain committed to implementing meaningful sustainability and environmental initiatives that drive real impact in our operations and across our industry," said Shannon Scott, vice president of Sustainability and Environment.