AirAsia Teams Up With Traffic To Combat Illegal Wildlife Trafficking

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) – Asia’s leading low-cost carrier, AirAsia, has partnered with a wildlife trade monitoring network, Traffic, to raise awareness on illegal wildlife trafficking in the aviation sector. Its group head of government relations, global affairs and sustainability Shasha Ridzam said AirAsia recognised its scope of influence and, therefore, are committed in ensuring that the airline actions and decisions created positive outcomes for a better world. “As a responsible brand, AirAsia is playing a crucial part in raising awareness on the key issues and challenges surrounding illegal wildlife trade,” he said in a statement Thursday. The collaboration between AirAsia and Traffic involved an awareness talk to emphasise on how AirAsia staff could be the additional intelligence to combat and reduce illegal wildlife trafficking activities. The airline would also be partnering with Traffic to give specific role-based training to selected AirAsia staff who might come in close contact with illegal wildlife trade in their line of work, including cargo and ground handlers, cabin crew, and guest services. Worth around US$20 billion (US$=RM4.17) a year, illegal wildlife trade is the fourth most lucrative black market in the world. The crime threatens the survival of some of the world’s most endangered species, impacting more than 7,000 species of animals and plants. --BERNAMA