Ethiopian Airlines denies allegation of illegal wildlife transport

Ethiopian Airlines has debunked allegations of illegal wildlife transport by some activists saying it takes maximum care in air transport of live animals.

The Airline, in a statement said: “As an International Air Transport Association (IATA) member carrier, Ethiopian Airlines takes maximum care in air transport of live animals and strictly follows all national, regional, and international regulations on the transport of live animals.

“This is in line with IATA and ICAO procedures besides various governmental regulatory procedures.

“The wildlife transport is carefully managed by various regulatory authorities both within the exporting and importing countries as well as by international authorities such as CITES, an international United Nations treaty comprised of 178 countries.”

The statement said the transport of all wildlife was conducted in full compliance with IATA live animal regulations for all species.

“Ethiopian Airlines has several live animals transit rooms at its hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which are climate controlled,” it added.

The statement further indicated Ethiopian Airlines actively monitors compliance and has refused shipments that were found not in compliance.

It said the Airline had procedures in place to exercise due diligence to the best of its ability when scheduling consignments for shipments, ensuring that shippers presented in advance a copy of all required licenses and permits, including CITES (if required) as well as any import permits, and health documentation.

“We utilize the IATA live animal checklist to ensure each step of the process is in compliance,” the statement said.

The Airline said any organization that opposed legal trade of wildlife should direct their efforts to the countries that had authorized the trade within their respective laws and policies.

The statement added that Ethiopian Airlines has contributed to conservation by assisting in the transport of endangered species between rescue centers or from conservation breeding sites, quite often at no cost as our contribution to conservation efforts.

“Any organization that opposes legal trade of wildlife, should direct their efforts to the countries that have authorized the trade within their respective laws and policies. These organizations should not base their conclusions on social media posts of persons beyond our control, which may or may not involve Ethiopian Airlines.

“Ethiopian Airlines will continue to provide the highest level of humane transport options to our clients while at the same time, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations as well as our internal policies.

“Indeed, Ethiopian Airlines has been pivotal in connecting various destinations in Africa which hitherto were either unserved or underserved. This has facilitated free movement of people and boosted intra- Africa trade.

“Adjudged Best African Airline for four consecutive years, Ethiopian Airlines remains responsible for connecting Africans to the World and the world to Africa within the existing legal framework of all international organizations that oversee aviation and the laws of various destinations it serves.”