Charter broker Sparrow Executive Jets has joined the Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI) to combat human trafficking. Launched by the Departments of Homeland Security and Transportation, the Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI) is an effort to train aviation industry organizations to identify and report suspected human trafficking activity.
More than 120 organizations—from air carriers to airports and aviation businesses—have teamed up on the effort and more than 350,000 personnel have been trained as a result. The addition of Sparrow expands these efforts on the charter brokerage front.
"DHS welcomes Sparrow Executive Jets to our growing community of Blue Lightning Initiative partners," said DHS Blue Campaign senior advisor Michael Camal. "This partnership will strengthen our efforts to fight human trafficking in the private aviation sector. It is vital that all general aviation employees are educated on the common warning signs and how to appropriately report potential cases."
Sparrow Executive Jets said it is following the training and reporting protocols outlined by the initiative. "Private aviation is a critical form of transportation, and we're committed to efforts like BLI that increase its safety and security,” said founder and president Jacquie Dalton. “As a BLI partner, we now have the tools to educate our charter team and community members on how to effectively identify and report trafficking."
The company added that charter brokerages are well positioned to help fight human trafficking on the private aviation front given their role in vetting all parties involved in charter transactions. "We believe the first line of defense in flight operations is the sale," Dalton said. "At Sparrow Executive Jets, we know who we fly and why they fly. It sets a higher charter standard that's integral to the safety and security of all parties."