Etihad Cargo has achieved the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries (CEIV Li-batt) certification. The carrier is the third Middle Eastern airline to attain this certification and has become only the fifth airline globally to achieve CEIV Pharma, Fresh, Live Animals and Li-batt certifications.
CEIV Li-batt certification represents an airline’s capability to handle and transport lithium batteries in accordance with the highest safety and efficiency standards. Certification involves assessing an airline’s operational processes, staff training programmes, and compliance with global safety regulations, including an extensive audit by independent validators. Thomas Schürmann, head of cargo operations & delivery at Etihad Cargo, said: “According to IATA, lithium batteries represent one-third of the dangerous goods transported by air and have become the preferred energy source for a wide variety of consumer goods, including mobile phones, cars, e-bikes and children’s toys. “Achieving CEIV Li-batt certification highlights Etihad Cargo’s dedication to maintaining the highest safety and operational excellence standards. This achievement positions the carrier among an elite group of global airlines that are committed to meeting the safety obligations of the lithium battery supply chain through the competent handling and transport of these products. “Rounding out the carrier’s suite of CEIV certifications, CEIV Li-batt underscores Etihad Cargo’s commitment to specialised and quality-driven cargo services.”