10 June 2015

SAA Cargo Places an Embargo on the Transport of Selected Endangered Species

Submitted by: Fiona Salvage

Issued on the 21 April 2015, the Policy and Procedures Advisory from South African Airways prohibits the transportation of hunting trophies, which is limited to rhino, elephant, tiger, and lion.  

Johannesburg - 30 April 2015: On 21 April 2015,

South African Airways Cargo issued a Policy and Procedures Advisory to its internal stakeholders advising of the embargo on, and prohibition of, the transportation of hunting trophies, which includes rhino, elephant, tiger, and lion.

SAA Cargo has, in the past, experienced a problem where shipments that contained hunting trophies were not adequately declared and was subsequently fined in a foreign country. In this particular instance, early in April 2015, a shipment that was lodged as machinery spare parts was discovered in Australia whilst in transit to Kuala Lumpur. The shipment contained elephant tusks and was seized. South African Airways Cargo was issued with a Notice of Seizure. “We had to act swiftly to curb the problem of illegal transportation of animals,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.

SAA Cargo will keep the embargo in place until all other options have been considered and stringent control measures have been put into place to prevent a recurrence. “When such measures are implemented, we will advise all stakeholders accordingly, both in South Africa and at our international stations,” said Tlali.

About SAA Cargo:

SAA Cargo is a division of South African Airways focusing on airfreight movement worldwide. The division uses dedicated cargo aircraft as well as belly space on SAA’s passenger flights for cargo carriage. SAA Cargo prides itself for providing effective and time-sensitive airfreight solutions for its varied customers. In addition to offering an ad hoc charter service for more urgent deliveries, SAA Cargo reliably transports, among others, general cargo, perishables, mail, livestock, vulnerable, and valuable cargo across the world.

For more information and media enquiries, please contact: Mr Tlali Tlali

SAA Spokesperson

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880

Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

South African Airways is a Star Alliance member that offers flights to 38 destinations worldwide. Domestically, SAA operates 544 flights a week between Johannesburg – Cape Town, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth. Regionally SAA offers 24 destinations across the African continent and its international network creates links to all major continents from South Africa through 10 direct routes. In the regional category, SAA has received the Skytrax ‘Best Airline in Africa’ Award for 11 consecutive years.