Etihad Airways launches new Animal Welfare and Conservation Policy

The policy establishes best practice for excursions offered by Etihad Holidays involving animals, and also outlines new criteria for the carriage of endangered and threatened species, hunting trophies containing any animal parts, shark fins and live animals intended for use in scientific research, which will not be permitted on aircraft.

The policy also sets out commitments to the Declaration of the United for Wildlife International Taskforce on the Transportation of Illegal Wildlife Products, to which Etihad Airways became a signatory in March 2016 at an official ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Six equity partner airlines followed suit in April and June to support efforts to prevent the growing trade in wildlife products.

To mark World Animal Day, Etihad Airways is running a social media competition until 6 October, to win a trip to Sri Lanka, including flights, hotels, tours and transfers. To be in with a chance of winning, entrants should share their best travel photos of animals in the wild using the #Etihad4wildlife hashtag on Instagram and Twitter.

Peter Baumgartner, chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Our airline is committed to the welfare and protection of wildlife. Our new policy has been developed over several months to minimise our ‘animal footprint’ and will ensure that we continue to meet the highest standards of animal welfare. By hosting the #Etihad4Wildlife campaign online, we also hope to raise awareness among our guests of the important issue of wildlife conservation.”