Supporting The Sustainability Of Endangered Animals, Emirates Airlines Launches New Amenity Kit

JAKARTA - The Emirates airline launched a new animal-themed amethy kit, for long-distance passengers of the premium and economic economy class.

This free amendment kit, designed in collaboration with United for Wildlife, highlights eight of the most endangered species, turtles, African elephants, blue macaws, gorillas, martil sharks, lions, black rhinos and pangolins, which are the most widely traded species in the world.

The products in this kit can all be reused, made from kaft paper that can be washed with artwork printed with ink made from soybeans that are not toxic. There is a brush made of wheat straw and plastic, as well as socks and eye coverings made from recycled plastic.

David Fein, co-chairman of United for Wildlife, founded in 2014 by Britain's Prince William and The Royal Foundation to tackle the illegal wildlife trade, said airlines like Emirates played an important role in fighting poachers.

"illegal wildlife trade is an international organized crime that has led many iconic species around the world to extinction at an alarming rate," he said.

Airlines and other transportation operators have played a major role in disrupting the supply chain of smugglers. Emirates has consistently shown leadership and commitment in overcoming this global threat," he continued.

Emirates, who is a member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, said it does not tolerate illegal trade in wildlife and products.

Say hello to our all new Economy and Premium Economy minute kits. In partnership with @united4wildlife, these new kits are designed to raise awareness about eight of the most ended species on the planet.Look out for them onboard your long haul flight! pic.twitter.com/NSqNTKeQli

Emirates SkyCargo, for example, strictly prohibits the hunting of elephant, rhino, lion and tiger trophies. cargo employees, as well as cabin crew, airport services and the Emirates Group's security team have participated in wildlife awareness training.

Last June, this Dubai-based airline, United Arab Emirates (UAE) obtained the IATA Environment Session Stage One certification and IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade module certification.

IEnvA is a comprehensive and world-famous environmental management system, including the practice of being responsible for flight, from flight operations to company activities.

"In addition to initiatives such as our recent closed loop recycling program, as well as aviation demonstrations that use 100 percent of sustainable aviation fuel, we are committed to strengthening environmental management systems and to driving real changes both in our operations and across the industry," Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates' senior vice president of international affairs, said at the time.

It is known that about 100 elephants are hunted daily, meaning they could become extinct in the wild by 2025, according to United for Wildlife. In addition, there are currently only 30,000 rhinos left in the world, compared to 500,000 in the early 20th century, the organization added.