American Airlines has joined the list of airlines that don't ship primates for research.
In an announcement today, the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) said that as a result of communications between it and American Airlines, the airline has clarified its policy towards the transporting of monkeys for research.
Michelle Thew, BUAV's Chief Executive, said: "We welcome the action taken by American Airlines to clarify its policy on this important issue. The shipment of monkeys for research is a subject that raises strong public concern.
"We urge travellers to check our list of airlines before booking their next flight. We call on all remaining airlines to end their involvement in this cruel trade."
As a result of AA’s clarification, the BUAV says it has been told that AA will not accept primates used for laboratory research, experimentation or exploitation purposes.
The BUAV’s Cargo Cruelty campaign is backed by comedian and actor Ricky Gervais.
AA joins a long list of major carriers who do not ship primates for research including British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Quantas Airways, Delta Airlines and China Airlines.
For a complete list of the airlines that do or do not transport primates for research, click here.
To see American Airline’s policy on the transportation of non-human primates, click here.
For more information on the transportation of primates, click here.