Hong Kong airlines Cathay Pacific and Dragonair impose total ban on carriage of shark fin
The two carriers came under increasing pressure from conservationists after they pledged in 2012 to carry fins only from sustainable sources
Hong Kong’s flagship airline has finally bowed to public pressure by slapping a blanket ban on shark fin being carried on any of its planes.
But Cathay Pacific, the city’s biggest carrier, and its sister airline Dragonair have left the door open to a possible U-turn by saying the new policy will be subject to review.
The move – which will take effect immediately – comes after budget airline HK Express became the first local carrier to axe shark fin shipments last month.
Cathay has faced sustained pressure from environmentalists, including protests at their check-in desks at Hong Kong International Airport and children petitioning airline executives.
“We understand the community’s desire to promote responsible and sustainable marine sourcing practices, and this remains important to Cathay Pacific’s overall sustainable development goals,” Cathay said in a statement.
“Therefore, on the issue of shark fin, with immediate effect we are happy to agree to ban the carriage. We will continue to review this practice, as we do all our sustainable development policies.”
