THE transport of lithium batteries stands to be the top issue for protecting the safety of air cargo transportation, according to International Air Transport Association's (IATA) director general Alexandre de Juniac
THE transport of lithium batteries stands to be the top issue for protecting the safety of air cargo transportation, according to International Air Transport Association's (IATA) director general Alexandre de Juniac. He made the remarks at the IATA 13th World Cargo Symposium in the aftermath of the Ethiopian Airlines' disaster that claimed the lives of all 157 people on board their aircraft, Xinhua reported.
The recent tragic incidents are reminders that the quest for zero accidents and zero fatalities in aviation continues, the IATA chief noted.
When accurately labelled and packaged, lithium batteries can be shipped safely in line with global standards, however, the standards are sometimes ignored by shippers and are not enforced by the governments, he said.
Mr Juniac is now urging governments and industry stakeholders to go to greater lengths to ensure air cargo safety.
In another development, Singapore's Senior Minister of Transport Lam Pin Min said the city state will continue to innovate and transform Changi Airport to meet the evolving demands of the air cargo sector.
According to Mr Lam, Singapore's Changi Airport Group (CAG) plans to expand its east wing as part of the future Changi East Industrial Zone, which will double the handling capacity for cargo upon completion.
Its future air freight terminals will be highly automated and data-driven, he said, adding that the air cargo community is collaborating with CAG and the government to redesign air cargo operations, improve productivity and raise the efficiency of the sector.
WORLD SHIPPING
