Aircraft makers urge ban on lithim battery shipments
WASHINGTON – Aircraft makers are urging a ban on bulk lithium battery shipments on passenger planes, calling the threat of fires “an unacceptable risk,” according to an industry position paper obtained by the Associated Press.
The International Coordination Council of Aerospace Industry Associations, which represents aircraft companies such as Boeing and Airbus, also is calling for stronger packaging and handling regulations for batteries shipped on cargo planes.
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations, an umbrella group for pilot unions, joined the aircraft makers in issuing the paper.
The paper cites recent testing by the Federal Aviation Administration that shows the batteries emit explosive gases when overheated. It’s common for tens of thousands of batteries to be packed into a single shipping container. In the tests, a buildup of gases inside the containers led to explosions and violent fires.
The tests show aircraft fire protection systems “are unable to suppress or extinguish a fire involving significant quantities of lithium batteries, resulting in reduced time available for safe flight and landing of an aircraft to a diversion airport,” aircraft makers said. “Therefore, continuing to allow the carriage of lithium batteries within today’s transport category aircraft cargo compartments is an unacceptable risk to the air transport industry.”
The call for a ban applies to both lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and are used in products ranging from cellphones and laptops to power tools. Lithium metal batteries are not rechargeable, and are often used in toys, watches and some medical devices.
The aircraft industry paper obtained by the AP was drafted for presentation at an upcoming meeting of the agency’s dangerous goods panel in April.
In recent weeks, two major U.S airlines – Delta and United – have announced they will no longer accept rechargeable battery shipments.