MANILA – The operator of Cebu Pacific is banning shark fin carriage on all its flights.
In a statement, Gokongwei-owned Cebu Air Inc (CEB) said the airline has formalized a freight policy for immediate implementation and strict compliance across Cebu Pacific stations.
The ban also extends to meals inflight or during corporate events. Cebu Pacific does not serve shark’s fin soup inflight or at corporate events organized and hosted by the airline.
“Cebu Pacific values biodiversity and marine life sustainability. We are banning shark fin carriage effective immediately as we learned that unsustainable shark fishing and our carriage of shark fin is not aligned with CEB’s position on sustainable development. We have been working closely with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in our efforts to address some of the most pressing environmental concerns including climate change and marine life preservation,” CEB vice president for corporate affairs Jorenz Tanada said.
Lorenzo Tan, WWF-Philippines vice chair and chief executive, said Cebu Pacific’s decision to make this new counterpart gesture in support of the conservation of Philippine sharks will help disrupt the transport chains that fuel this highly destructive trade.
“WWF lauds this decision as a manifestation of Cebu Pacific’s continuing commitment to conserve marine biodiversity and promote sustainable fisheries, here in the Philippines. As we face a climate-defined future, it is the right thing to do,” Tan added.
WWF estimates 73 million sharks are killed yearly for their fins and flesh. Sharks are apex or top-level predators that keep the stocks of other fish in check. Halting the trade in shark fins can boost the productivity of oceans.
CEB operates a fleet of 50 aircraft comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 28 Airbus A320, 4 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft.
Between 2014 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 11 more Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 2 Airbus A330 aircraft.