Qatar Airways is the second airline in the world to become IATA CEIV Lithium Battery certified and Qatar Aviation Services is the first ground handling company to be certified globally.
The certification aims to improve safety in the handling and transport of lithium batteries throughout the supply chain. Both Qatar Airways and Qatar Aviation Services played key roles in the design and implementation of IATA’s recent CEIV lithium battery program and remain actively involved in its refinement and customization.
Halleux pushed for faster adoption of regulations and compliance related to lithium batteries in his keynote address at the World Cargo Symposium in Dublin in October 2021. Soon after, Qatar Airways Cargo announced the full switch of its 10,000+ ULD fleet to Safran Cabin’s newly developed Fire-Resistant Containers (FRC), designed to withstand a lithium-based fire for up to 6 hours. To date, it has already replaced 9,000 of its ULDs, surpassing the 70% target it set itself for 2022, and will continue the exchange process in 2023.
Lithium batteries are widely used in a range of consumer products, from smartphones to electric scooters, while the risks associated with their use and transportation are not well understood by consumers. As a global network carrier and integrated group of airline companies, the issues mainly concern both Qatar Airways and Qatar Airways Cargo. Therefore, greater awareness of lithium battery handling will help improve safety in the aviation sector.
The certification program of the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries (CEIV Li-batt) ensures that the supply chain elements involved in the shipment of these batteries can meet their regulatory requirements. 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.
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, a multiple award-winning airline, was recently named ‘Airline of the Year’ at the World Airline Awards 2022, administered by the international air transport rating organization, Skytrax. The airline remains alone at the top of the industry, winning the top prize for an unprecedented seventh time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022), while also being named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ , ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.
Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, with connections through its hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport, voted ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax.
About Qatar Airways Cargo
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s largest international cargo carrier, is based in Doha, Qatar. It serves a global network of more than 60 cargo destinations and 150 passenger destinations using cargo ships, belly hold passenger flights, passenger cargo ships and mini cargo ships. The airline’s freighter fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, two Boeing 747-400 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters and an Airbus 310 freighter. It also has an extensive Road Feeder Service (RFS) network.
With significant investments in its products, services, quality handling, infrastructure, facilities, people and procedures at each of its destinations, the freight forwarder provides high operational standards for the transportation of cargo. Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its WeQare sustainability program, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy and culture.