During the first IATA Media Day in Geneva today, focused on cargo, representatives of the International Air Transport Association shared that electronics manufacturer Samsung reached out to the group directly for guidance when faced with thermal runway incidents on its phones which led to airline bans and warnings.
During his presentation to the press on the issues surrounding the challenges of air-freighting Litihium batteries, Brendan Sullivan, Head, cargo Operations, IATA explained that the manufacturer had been concerned to ensure the problem was handled responsibly and sought IATA’s guidance in the unfamiliar territory of aviation regulations.
The association helped inform the manufacturer of the best way to communicate and manage the scope of the problem with regulators, airlines, and passengers, as part of a concerted effort to ensure the issue was handled swiftly and consistently.