EMIRATES’ PUTS WILDLIFE LIVERY ON TWO AIRBUS A380 TO PROMOTE CONSERVATION
(Posted 04th November 2015)
‘United for Wildlife is the slogan two Emirates Airbus A380 will be carrying into the world as the Gulf’s largest airline once again shows its credentials as a supporter of conservation.
Lord Hague of Richmond, Chair of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, was quoted as having said when the new livery was revealed: ‘We welcome the efforts and commitment made by Emirates airline to combat the illegal wildlife trade. This is more than just an environmental issue. The illegal wildlife trade is now recognized as a serious and organised trans-national crime. It drives corruption, is linked to money laundering and can damage economic development in many of the world’s poorest countries and communities. It will take a concerted effort, involving not only effective deterrents against poaching and smuggling, and vigilance in policing and punishing these crimes, but also efforts to increase consumer education to cut demand to protect these animals for the future’.
Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline responded when he added: ‘Many animals, in particular African elephants, rhinos, tigers, and pangolins, are under extreme pressure because of an unprecedented spike in the illegal wildlife trade. The world is in a global poaching crisis, and everyone has to do their part to stop this, before it is too late. Emirates believes that the global transport industry, including airlines, can play a significant role to break the supply chain of illegal wildlife trade. And at Emirates, we are committing the resources to do our part’.
The two A380’s are now flying on the route to London, where notably the annual World Travel Market is ongoing, but also do flights to Mauritius, an African island off the Eastern seaboard where Emirates twice a day flies to with this aircraft type.
Emirates’ sources have also confirmed that their inflight magazine will carry increased content focusing on wildlife conservation, a highly applaudable move and following the airline’s ban to fly any trophies or banned wildlife products on board of their aircraft. Staff in fact are presently undergoing specialized training to spot illegal cargos and be able to identify falsified declarations adding further to the global fight against poaching.
Emirates flies to East Africa with destinations Entebbe, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
Africa’s wildlife, had it a voice, would certainly thank Emirates but let it suffice for now that this correspondent expresses his thanks on behalf of our big game in East Africa!
