Qatar Airways has become the second airline in the world to receive International Air Transport Association Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (IATA CEIV) Lithium Battery certification.
Qatar Aviation Services has become the first ground handling company to be certified globally.
The certification aims to improve safety in the handling and transportation of lithium batteries throughout the supply chain. Both Qatar Airways and Qatar Aviation Services played a role in the design and implementation of IATA’s recent CEIV Lithium Battery programme, and the companies said they continue to be actively involved in its fine-tuning and adaption.
“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,” said Qatar Airways Group’s chief executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. “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.”
Qatar Airways Cargo’s chief officer cargo Guillaume Halleux commented: “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. We are happy to see this now starting to happen with air cargo industry companies voluntarily undergoing CEIV Lithium Battery certification.
“Our plan now is to work with our global partners, ground handlers, shippers, and freighter forwarders, to ensure a solid and common understanding of the risks of moving lithium batteries, and to drive positive change in the industry.”
The CEIV Lithium Battery family is IATA’s most recent CEIV certification. It is in line with similar certifications for the handling of pharmaceuticals, perishables, and live animals.
