Emirates’ message against illegal wildlife trade goes around the world, and on a roundabout

Emirates is on a mission to raise awareness about the threat that the illegal wildlife trade poses to the survival of some of the planet’s most endangered and iconic animals. 

Emirates today unveiled its fifth A380 emblazoned with special livery in support of United for Wildlife - an alliance between seven of the world’s most influential conservation organisations and The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. 

Unlike its four jet-powered siblings, this latest Emirates “United for Wildlife” A380 aircraft is featured in situ, at the traffic roundabout leading to London Heathrow airport – a highly visible site that reaches over million international travelers and their families and friends annually. 

Over the past six months, Emirates has literally taken its message against the illegal wildlife trade to the skies and across the world. Since November, the airline’s four eye-catching “United for Wildlife” A380 aircraft have flown more than 4.2 million kilometres on over 800 flights, delighting customers, global travellers and plane spotters in 34 cities spanning five continents. 

Watch Emirates’ “United for Wildlife” A380s take the message around the world here, and see a selection of photos from fans from around the world here

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said: “The illegal wildlife trade has brought many of our planet’s most majestic animals to the brink of extinction. It is unthinkable that a generation from now, there may be no more rhinos, elephants or tigers to be found in the wild. The need for action is urgent, and both the demand and supply side of the illegal wildlife trade has to be tackled.

“Through our global brand footprint, Emirates can help drive consumer awareness and interest in the issue. And as the world’s largest international airline, we believe we can make a difference to help break the supply chain of illegal wildlife trade. We will continue to do all we can in this regard.” 

Earlier in the year, as a member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, Sir Tim signed the landmark Buckingham Palace Declaration on behalf of Emirates.

The Rt Hon The Lord Hague of Richmond, Chair of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce said: "Emirates and Sir Tim have contributed enormously to raising awareness of the illegal wildlife trade and are setting a great example for the world's airlines. Their efforts are part of our work to eliminate the demand for illegal wildlife products. Through complementing other international efforts to tackle this issue airlines are disrupting illegal supply chains. Emirates' actions are bringing this issue front and centre, taking us one step close to eradication of this appalling crime against wildlife." 

In addition to consumer awareness efforts, Emirates is collaborating with international organisations to train and better equip its ground and cargo staff to detect and deal with illegal wildlife products in transit.

Emirates operates daily scheduled flights between Malta and Dubai using a larger Boeing 777-300 aircraft. The airline flies twice weekly to Malta via Larnaca in Cyprus, on Mondays and Wednesdays, and on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Emirates operates the Dubai - Malta route on a circular routing via Tunis in Tunisia. The return flight flies direct from Malta to Dubai.