South African Airways (SAA) has signed up to be one of the first airlines in the world to implement the new IATA module that will help in the fight against the illegal trafficking of wildlife.

SAA is committed to making a difference and protecting South Africa’s wildlife, one of the country’s most important natural assets. As the national carrier the airline has signed up to the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) module of the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Programme to protect that heritage.

South African Airways is a signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration of the United for Wildlife initiative.

Led by The Duke of Cambridge and The Royal Foundation, United for Wildlife is working to protect endangered species like elephants, rhinos, tigers, and pangolins so they can share our world with future generations.

United for Wildlife also works to tackle illegal wildlife trade by bringing together conservation organisations, governments, and global corporations.

IEnvA is a comprehensive environmental management system similar to the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) but for the environment rather than safety. SAA is audited much like IOSA, and certified as IEnvA compliant to ensure that we are as environmentally sustainable as possible.

SAA is currently IEnvA Stage 2 certified, the highest level, and has undertaken to be one of the first airlines in the world to implement the new module, audited to ensure that the correct procedures are in place.

The IWT module consists of awareness, training and co-operation with law enforcement. Over the course of the next year employees will be trained in methods to detect smugglers or their cargo and to report activities to the relevant authorities.

SAA is committed to making a difference and protecting our wildlife.