Finnair not to transport whale products

Finnair is refraining from the transport of whale meat, blubber or other whale products on its aircraft. With this announcement, Finnair has joined the growing number of airlines taking a stand on whale product transportation. The oneworld alliance has not formed a common position on the matter. Within the alliance, however, each member airline decides on its transport policy independently in accordance with national and international legislation as well as cargo transport regulations. With its decision, Finnair supports efforts for the conservation of endangered whale species as stated in international conventions.

The species whaled in Norway are listed in Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) and the international trade in whale meat is subject to license. Norway and Japan have made reservations to the Convention as regards to certain species of whale. Thus the countries are not obliged to observe the Convention in the case of the whale species mentioned in the reservations.

The Government of Norway has announced that it will apply for an exemption allowing it to export whale meat. The main export market is Japan where whale blubber is a popular delicacy.

Finnair flies to Oslo, Bergen and Lakselv in Norway. In Japan, Finnair flies to Tokyo twice a week.