Reuters is reporting that the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has formally banned carriage of Lithium batteries on commercial passenger aircraft. The ban takes effect as of April 1, and would remain in place “until a new fire-resistant packaging […]
“FAA battery fire testing has highlighted the potential risk of a catastrophic aircraft loss due to damage resulting from a lithium battery fire or explosion. Current cargo fire suppression systems cannot effectively control a lithium battery fire. As a result of those tests, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus have advised airlines about the dangers associated with carrying lithium batteries as cargo and also have encouraged them to conduct safety risk assessments,” the agency states.
“It is estimated that each year, upwards of one billion lithium batteries are transported by air as mail, cargo or in passenger/crew baggage. This constitutes a safety hazard that must be managed in a clear and comprehensive manner.”
