Unified SkyTeam effort as Anti-Human Trafficking Declaration signed

SkyTeam and its member airlines have issued a joint Anti-Human Trafficking Declaration, becoming the first global airline alliance to launch a coordinated initiative to help prevent human trafficking. The unified awareness and prospective response program will include training for frontline staff, sharing best practices, and fostering partnerships with NGOs, law enforcement agencies, and governments.

The Declaration, which received unanimous support from all member airlines, was signed on 1 June at SkyTeam’s Alliance Board meeting in Delhi. It formalizes the alliance’s collective commitment to combating this crime on a global scale. The initiative recognizes SkyTeam’s responsibility and opportunity to take action, guided by five core values: Ethical Responsibility, Empathy and Respect, Awareness and Education, Collaboration and Partnerships, and Survivor Support.

In support of the Declaration, SkyTeam has established a dedicated working group bringing together representatives from each member airline. Focus areas include:

• Raising awareness among passengers and frontline staff;
• Equipping cabin and ground staff to identify and report suspected trafficking;
• Sharing best practices among member airlines;
• Building partnerships with NGOs, law enforcement, and governments.

“This isn’t just a pledge – it’s a platform for change. Human trafficking is a hidden crime impacting 50 million people worldwide, many of whom are transported by air.

The aviation industry must take action to help prevent this. As a global airline alliance, SkyTeam recognizes its unique position to intervene. By uniting our efforts, we can drive change and have far greater impact than any single airline acting along”, said SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux, speaking on behalf of all member airlines.

“For years, SkyTeam member airlines have taken individual steps to help prevent human trafficking. This initiative brings those efforts together under a unified commitment – reinforcing what’s already been done while allowing us to go even further. By equipping and empowering our frontline teams, we strengthen our collective ability to take meaningful action and protect the most vulnerable among us”, added SkyTeam Chairman Andrés Conesa.

Learning from members already leading

SkyTeam member airlines have been individually pioneering best practices aimed at combatting human trafficking, including mandatory employee training, stakeholder partnerships, and clear reporting channels. The SkyTeam working group is now bringing their efforts together and enhancing these initiatives by scaling successful practices across the alliance.

Beyond policy: measurable change

Following the signing of the Anti-Human Trafficking Declaration, SkyTeam will begin to roll out programs building awareness, sharing best practices, and promoting the adoption of frontline training across the entire alliance. Moving forward, these efforts will extend to raising awareness among passengers, supporting initiatives that help survivors, and collaborating with international organizations.