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Aviation is the business of freedom. Airlines connect businesses to markets, reunite families and friends, and facilitate tourism and cultural exchange. Unfortunately, the global air transport system can also be exploited by criminals for the illegal trafficking of men, women and children. Human trafficking is the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the world. A report by the International Labour Organization estimates that 24.9 million people* are living in modern slavery, over 75% of whom are women and children. That’s equivalent to the total population of Australia. Although the responsibility for identifying, apprehending and prosecuting those perpetrating human trafficking rests with governments and national law enforcement agencies, the airline industry recognizes that it can play an important role in helping to prevent this crime.