LOT POLISH AIRLINES HAS OBTAINED THE IATA CEIV LITHIUM BATTERIES CERTIFICATION

LOT Polish Airlines has obtained the IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification, relative to the transportation of lithium-ion batteries or their components. The successful completion of the certification process is evidence of LOT’s commitment to the highest safety standards.

The third decade of the 21st century has been marked by the rapid advancement of electronic devices, their miniaturisation and widespread use. If not for the lithium-ion energy sources, this would not have been possible. This type of battery is used in mobile devices, small electronics, tablets, electric vehicles, and power tools. Some of them, for example, phones, laptops, or electric wheelchairs are brought on board the aircraft. This also extends to equipment used by airlines, including satellite phones, location devices and terminals for cashless transactions.

The underlying regulations for transporting batteries or their components are set forth in the IATA DGR (dangerous goods regulations). The Center of Excellence for Independent Validators program, on the other hand, brings the required standard of training, procedures implemented and regulations followed to a higher level. Certified carriers are compelled to substantially advance their operating procedures, as well as take extreme care of the competences of all personnel involved in the processes, including the need for all subcontractors to monitor and comply with CEIV standards. The fact that an airline holds this certification affects both its efficiency, safety and costs. At the same time, it represents the top-level competence in terms of awareness and maintenance of standards towards each of the commodity groups concerned.

Before obtaining the certification, there is a stringent certification process involving a thorough audit of all processes involved in the transport of specialised cargo. One of its prerequisites includes mandatory training for crew – Logistics Safety Management – in the transport of lithium-ion batteries. The certification is valid for two years, and its renewal entails a crew course updated with the new standards, verification of passenger and cargo procedures as well as a final audit.

The compliance with the rigorous requirements of IATA, a leader in setting quality and safety standards in air transport, guarantees passengers and customers a high level of service in both passenger and cargo transport, where LOT Polish Airlines is the undisputed leader. In the cargo and mail sector, LOT Cargo is also a leading carrier in Central and Eastern Europe. The carrier has succeeded in acquiring certification and expertise in the transport of pharmaceuticals (CEIV Pharma), as well as the highest requirements in the execution of special material transports. The LOT Cargo Academy also delivers commercial training in the market in both ranges, as well as expert cargo training for freight forwarders.