In 2013, Etihad Airways also became member of IPATA – the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (http://www.ipata.org ), to further strengthen its position as an accredited and fully compliant airfreight carrier of life animals at an international level. Etihad Airways is also a member of the UK Pet Scheme – allowing Etihad Airways to carry pets from both London and Manchester.
With its growing network, Etihad Airways implements the strictest rules and regulations across its equity partners. For example, Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles, the latter flying to Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi as part of a codeshare with Etihad, do not knowingly accept the carriage of shark fins, a decision that was made by both airlines in 2013. In 2015 the decision was made not to knowingly accept the carriage of hunting trophies using animal products
Etihad Airways’ security team works closely with customs and immigration authorities and national security organizations across its network to ensure that guests and cargo agents comply with live animal’s regulations. If a guest or cargo agent is found to be smuggling live animals, restricted animal-related products or endangered species, they are immediately referred to the local authority.