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Virgin Atlantic's plea for IATA hunting trophy ban falls on deaf ears
AFTER the recent fuss over the shooting of a Zimbawean lion, Virgin Atlantic has found that its plea to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ban hunting trophies and other shipments "not acceptable for carriage" has fallen on deaf ears.
The carrier, which has had an "ethical policy" for more than three years, wants an industry-wide agreement to eliminate shipments of hunting trophies and endangered species.
But IATA would not be drawn on the subject. It issued a statement confirming only that there was no policy and that it was up to governments to enforce rules.
"There is no single industry position on shipping animal trophies, although a growing number of carriers are refusing to accept this kind of cargo," said IATA.
"IATA said is focused on tackling the illegal trafficking of endangered animals and plants and their products. This trade is increasing with criminals using increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods, said a spokesman.
"The air cargo industry already enforces a range of industry standards so we believe the adoption of an industry-wide ethical cargo policy is more than achievable," Virgin vice president John Lloyd told London's Loadstar.
"This is something we have been passionate about for many years and with what we have seen from other airlines in the last week or so there is a strong momentum building and an opportunity not to be wasted," he said.
The carrier, which has had an "ethical policy" for more than three years, wants an industry-wide agreement to eliminate shipments of hunting trophies and endangered species.
But IATA would not be drawn on the subject. It issued a statement confirming only that there was no policy and that it was up to governments to enforce rules.
"There is no single industry position on shipping animal trophies, although a growing number of carriers are refusing to accept this kind of cargo," said IATA.
"IATA said is focused on tackling the illegal trafficking of endangered animals and plants and their products. This trade is increasing with criminals using increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods, said a spokesman.
"The air cargo industry already enforces a range of industry standards so we believe the adoption of an industry-wide ethical cargo policy is more than achievable," Virgin vice president John Lloyd told London's Loadstar.
"This is something we have been passionate about for many years and with what we have seen from other airlines in the last week or so there is a strong momentum building and an opportunity not to be wasted," he said.
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