Qatar Airways has added another IATA badge under its belt as the airline became the second carrier in the world to be awarded the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries (CEIV Li-batt) certification.

The certification aims to improve safety in handling and transportation of lithium batteries throughout the supply chain. The airline’s plan is to work with global partners, ground handlers, shippers, and freight forwarders to ensure a solid and common understanding of the risks of moving lithium batteries, and to drive positive change in the industry.

Qatar Airways chief executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said the airline has advocated for proper regulation in the transport of lithium batteries and encouraged all industry players to become certified, focusing on active risk prevention through strict regulation, training, and compliance.

Qatar Aviation Services, the group’s ground handling arm, has also been certified. The group played a key role in the design and implementation of IATA’s recent CEIV Lithium Battery programme.

In October 2021, Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways urged for faster regulation and compliance adoption for lithium batteries at the WCS held in Dublin. It then announced the complete rollover of its 10,000-plus ULD fleet to fire-resistant containers (FRC) developed by Safran Cabin. The containers, designed to resist a lithium-based fire for up to 6 hours, have already replaced 9,000 of its ULDs, surpassing the 70 percent goal it set itself for 2022.