There is no doubt that lithium-ion batteries, when packed together without the proper packaging and handling precautions, can certainly be dangerous. In 2014, the Federal Aviation Administration applied heat to a container packed with 5,000 lithium-ion batteries that resulted in a thermal runaway and subsequent explosion of flammable gases emitted within the container. Even a favorite fire suppressant, when used, was ineffective in extinguishing the fire. The danger appears to be inherent in all aircraft configurations, passenger or all-cargo.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration posted a bright outlook in its annual market review and forecast, noting that it expects total air cargo traffic, measured in revenue tonne kilometers, to grow by 4.5 percent in 2016, followed by stable growth averaging 3.5 percent over the next 20 years.
Has your company seen all the headlines about shipping lithium ion batteries by air? How are you supposed to keep up with what's compliant and what is not?
Here's a concise overview on the lithium ion battery air transport regulations that will be effective April 1, along with a preview of what might be expected later in 2016.
For the first time in more than 50 years, the skies over Cuba are opening up to scheduled service from the United States. The two countries signed a deal, officially allowing flights between their borders.
Ireland-based ASL Aviation Group has agreed to purchase airline operations currently owned by TNT Express and is expected to will continue to operate them on behalf of the merged FedEx-TNT entity.
