18 Jan Qatar Airways certified for safe transport of lithium batteries
It’s official: Qatar Airways has become only the second airline in the world to become IATA CEIV Lithium Battery certified. In addition, Qatar Aviation Services is the first ground handling crew to be globally certified.
The certification is in recognition of the safe handling and transportation of lithium batteries throughout the supply chain.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said: “Passenger and cargo safety is our utmost concern at all times, and we have continuously advocated for proper regulation in the transport of lithium batteries.
“We are happy to be the second airline to be certified and we encourage all air industry players to become certified. As an industry, we must focus on active risk prevention and that is achieved through strict regulation, training, and compliance.”
Although lithium batteries are widespread in their use they do pose a safety risk.
Qatar Airways Cargo has already rolled over its 10,000 ULD fleet to Safran Cabin’s Fire-Resistant Containers (FRC). These FRC are designed to withstand a lithium-based fire for up to six hours. It originally set a goal of replacing 70% of its fleet to FRC in 2022, but it surpassed this goal with the replacement of 9,000 ULDs. The exchange process will continue this year.
Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “Lithium batteries play a huge part in our daily life, from the toys we buy for our children, to the laptops we use every day, and the cars we drive, to name but a few examples. Yet, they also pose a huge daily risk for air travel and transport: one that Qatar Airways has always highlighted and worked to prevent as best possible.”