Qatar Airways Cargo is the first cargo carrier to adopt Safran Cabin’s new fire resistant containers (FRC) after taking delivery of the initial batch of containers in late-September.

Over the next five years, the Qatar flag carrier will replace its entire fleet of more than 10,000 ULDs, to be used for its bellyhold fleet, with a target of replacing 70 percent by next year.

The airline’s decision to switch lied on safety issues related to the risk posed by lithium battery shipments, a concern highlighted by Guillaume Halleux, cargo chief at Qatar Airways, at the World Cargo Symposium by IATA in Dublin.

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“As a leading cargo airline, we put the safety of our passengers and employees first. Due to the increased transport of devices with lithium-ion batteries in unit load devices (ULDs), we were looking for a solution that prevents incidents in containers used for the handling and storage of baggage, as well asv the transportation of cargo goods.

Thorough testing has validated the absolute fire resistance of Safran Cabin’s new FRC containers, and we are very pleased to roll out this solution in our belly-hold fleet within such a short period of time,” he announced.