Qantas yesterday announced a ban on carrying all shark fin, joining the growing number of airlines to impose a total ban on the controversial cargo following a campaign led by Hong Kong environmentalists.
The Australian carrier took the step a day after telling the South China Morning Post it would carry shark products only from sustainable sources on its flights in future.
Lisa Brock, executive manager for Qantas Freight Enterprises, said yesterday the airline had decided not to carry any shark fin from any source - including so-called sustainable sources - immediately.
"This restriction has been put in place to avoid participation in the supply chain of shark fin that has been sourced through the unacceptable process of finning," she said.
Air New Zealand, Korean Air and Seoul-based Asiana Airlines have announced blanket bans on the carriage of shark fin.
Cathay Pacific and Fiji Airways, formerly Air Pacific, say they will carry only sustainably sourced shark fin.