On any given day, 27 million people worldwide are exploited in work they were forced into through human trafficking. This global network earns criminals around US$236 billion every year. But helping victims of this terrible trade is difficult as the perpetrators take careful steps to conceal their activities.

Traffickers frequently make use of aviation networks, meaning it is essential for the industry to stay educated and aware. The Blue Campaign, set up by the US Department for Homeland Security, served as Official Advocacy Partner at Aviation Festival Americas 2026 to share awareness of their Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI), a dedicated programme for aviation partners. We spoke to Maraya Lasinsky, BLI’s Chief Engagement Manager, to learn more.

Movies and social media don’t always accurately display human trafficking. So, we want to train aviation personnel on the real indicators.

Working with everyone from pilots down to ground handlers and airport employees, BLI trains staff to spot the signs of human trafficking and report incidents to law enforcement officials. On the Blue Campaign website, you can find a wealth of free materials to get clued up.

We don’t want people to jump in and try to save the day. We want them to safely report what they’re seeing.

Additionally, at no cost BLI work with airlines and airports across the US and beyond as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s mandatory human trafficking training. Aviation Festival Americas helped Lasinsky connect with a range of international partners who want to take action against human traffickers. Victims of the trade can pass through any country, making unified, dedicated action essential to save lives and convict perpetrators.

I’ve had a great response from meeting some of those people that might be having issues with human trafficking back home in their home countries or even here in the US. This is a crime that happens here.

For free resources on protecting yourself and others from human trafficking, visit the Blue Campaign website.

🎥 Watch the video for the full interview with Maraya Lasinsky.

Questions asked include:

  • What’s the scale of the challenge the Blue Campaign seeks to address?
  • How do you work with partners across aviation?
  • What advice would you give to those looking to prevent human trafficking?
  • What have you gained from being Official Advocacy Partner at Aviation Festival Americas?

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