American Airlines joins Blue Lightning Initiative, expands collaboration with U.S. Department of Transportation

American Airlines has announced its participation in the Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI) to enhance collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection. The announcement was made on January 11 via X.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, BLI is a joint program between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that trains aviation personnel to identify and report potential human trafficking cases. The training focuses on recognizing indicators such as physical control over a person, restriction of movement, and lack of knowledge about final destinations. By implementing these protocols, aviation employees become a critical line of defense against human trafficking.

American Airlines Newsroom reports that American Airlines trains upwards of 70,000 team members annually on human trafficking awareness. This comprehensive training includes flight attendants, pilots, and customer service representatives, ensuring frontline staff are equipped to recognize and respond to potential trafficking situations. The integration of BLI training into existing programs enhances the airline's ability to safeguard passengers and support law enforcement efforts.