In 2010, near Dubai, a UPS Airlines B747 cargo plane crashed due to an in-flight fire, killing both crewmembers. The aircraft was carrying large quantities of lithium batteries. This is not a one-off event. The FAA estimates that over 40 in-flight occurrences (smoke, fire or explosion) involving lithium batteries have happened since their apparition in the 90’. Several airlines, including United Airlines and Delta Airlines, already banned them from their aircraft. The international rules on the shipment and transportation of lithium batteries are not sufficient. IFALPA therefore calls ICAO and other stakeholders to improve current legislation in order to better mitigate the risks posed by lithium batteries.

The risks

Several factors may lead lithium batteries transported in an aircraft to ignite: damage, mishandling, improper packaging, defect, overcharging, lower quality design or when they are exposed to heat or fire. These batteries contain an easily flammable electrolyte and when a battery’s cell ignites, it triggers a chain reaction to the adjacent cells. In addition, according to FAA’s testing, the typical extinguishing agent used in aircraft today, the Halon, is ineffective in stopping a fire caused by lithium batteries. For these reasons, the transportation of large quantities of lithium batteries, even when packaged properly, poses a hazard to cargo and passenger aircraft. As pilots, we are directly concerned as our safety and that of our passengers is at stake.

Applicable legislation

The current applicable legislation on the transportation of dangerous goods can be found in the ICAO Technical Instructions Safe Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Air. They require all dangerous goods to be packaged and they restrict the quantity per package based on the degree of hazard and the type of. However, lithium batteries used in most consumer devices do not fall under these provisions, when shipped in small packages. Furthermore, the instructions do not put any restriction on the total quantity of lithium batteries aboard an aircraft. This results in tens of thousands of batteries in smaller packages being shipped on the same aircraft.

Our demands

As IFALPA, we believe “that current regulations do not properly address the risk posed by the carriage of lithium batteries as aircraft cargo. [We] therefore urge ICAO, States, and Industry Stakeholders to take action”.

First of all, the exceptions granted to lithium batteries must be removed from the ICAO Technical Instructions. Secondly, provisions must be improved. As pilots, we need to be informed about the quantity of batteries on board our aircraft, through a Dangerous Goods Transport Document, as well as a Pilot Notification Form. It is also essential that specific procedures be implemented and that staff be properly trained to deal with fires due to lithium batteries.

We are convinced that these changes would significantly improve the safety of lithium batteries transportation. Should you encounter any issue concerning the transport of lithium batteries, do not forget to report it. You can also contact us in case of problems or doubts.

Sources: IFALPA Position paper 15POS07 and briefing leaflet 15DGBL01