American Airlines Cargo hosted a training and awareness event at its Miami International Airport facility to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. More than 100 team members joined experts from aviation, conservation, and finance sectors to discuss trafficking risks and prevention strategies.
The event featured speakers from United for Wildlife, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, HSBC, and Deloitte. A hands-on exhibit displayed seized wildlife products, underscoring the scale of illicit trade and the role of cargo professionals in spotting suspicious shipments.
Jon Godson, transport taskforce director at United for Wildlife, stated: United for Wildlife is proud to have participated in American Airlines workshop at their cargo facility at MIA, alongside the USFWS and representatives from our Finance Taskforce. We commend American Airlines for their leadership in the fight against the illicit trafficking of animals and for delivering an event that provides a compelling model which can be replicated by other Transport and Finance Taskforce members. The USFWS exhibit of previously seized wildlife offered a powerful, tangible reminder of the scale of the threats our sector continues to face.
Sam Mendenhall, vice president of operations for American Airlines Cargo, said: Bringing together leaders from across aviation, conservation and finance creates a powerful network of awareness and action. The engagement we saw in Miami demonstrates how education at every level of the supply chain can make a real difference in disrupting illegal wildlife trafficking.
Eric Mathieu, managing director of customer experience at American Airlines Cargo, said: Our team members are on the front lines of global logistics. By equipping them with the knowledge and tools, we are empowering them to be active participants in protecting wildlife worldwide.
American Airlines Cargo joined United for Wildlife in 2022 as the first US cargo carrier, signing the Buckingham Palace Declaration. The airline has distributed awareness materials and prevention resources to more than 47 cargo stations worldwide.