American Airlines Cargo has expanded its efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, reinforcing its role in protecting endangered species across global supply chains. The initiative, held at the airline’s Miami International Airport (MIA) cargo facility, brought together more than 100 team members and key industry stakeholders to raise awareness and enhance detection capabilities.
The program forms part of American Airlines Cargo’s ongoing partnership with United for Wildlife, a coalition focused on disrupting illegal wildlife trade through education, collaboration, and operational vigilance. Participants engaged in hands-on learning, including an exhibit of previously seized wildlife products, offering direct insight into the scale of trafficking and the critical role air cargo plays in identifying illicit shipments.
Cross-Sector Collaboration in Action
The event featured representatives from United for Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), HSBC, and Deloitte, underscoring the importance of multi-industry coordination.
“United for Wildlife is proud to have participated in American Airlines’ workshop at their MIA cargo facility. The USFWS exhibit of seized wildlife provided a tangible reminder of the threats our sector faces,” said Jon Godson, Transport Taskforce Director at United for Wildlife.
American Airlines Cargo emphasized the importance of equipping frontline employees with the tools to detect illegal wildlife shipments. Sam Mendenhall, Vice President of Operations, stated: “Bringing together leaders from aviation, conservation, and finance creates a powerful network of awareness and action. Education at every level of the supply chain can make a real difference in disrupting illegal wildlife trafficking.”
Aeric Mathieu, Managing Director of Customer Experience, highlighted employee engagement: “Our team members are on the front lines of global logistics. By providing them with knowledge and resources, we empower them to actively protect wildlife worldwide.”
Commitment to Global Standards
American Airlines became the first U.S. carrier to join United for Wildlife in 2022, adopting the Buckingham Palace Declaration across cargo operations. The airline has distributed training materials and prevention resources to more than 47 cargo stations worldwide, strengthening detection and reporting capabilities.
The Miami event builds on these measures by combining hands-on training, cross-industry collaboration, and case-based learning, reflecting the company’s broader sustainability and responsible logistics strategy. American Airlines Cargo handles a wide range of international shipments, including pharmaceuticals, mail, and e-commerce, leveraging its extensive passenger and freighter network.
“The engagement we saw in Miami demonstrates the tangible impact education and collaboration can have on protecting endangered species,” Mendenhall concluded.
