The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on Regulatory authorities to accelerate development of a test standard.
According to the IATA, it can be used to demonstrate that fire containment pallet covers and fire-resistant containers are capable of withstanding a fire involving lithium batteries.
IATA stated this in a press statement it issued on Tuesday in London, urging government authorities to step up and take responsibility for stopping rogue producers and exporters of lithium batteries.
It also called on the aviation industry to use technology such as DG Autocheck to more easily and accurately verify that the shipment complies with DG requirements.
According to the association, to embed best practices on the safe carriage of lithium batteries across the value chain, IATA has expanded its CEIV Lithium Battery program to include airlines and shippers.
“People are the core of any improvement in what air cargo can deliver. Sadly, we saw thousands of jobs leave the industry during COVID-19, especially cargo handlers.
“We are now competing for talent in a very tight job market. And when we do find the right and willing talent, training and longer-than-usual security clearance processes delay their entry into the workforce,” said Sullivan.
IATA called for governments to accelerate clearance processes, including those for security, as a short-term solution and longer term to do a better job of attracting, onboarding, and retaining talent.
IATA also encouraged more cargo carriers to sign on to the industry-wide 25by2025 initiative to promote gender diversity.
“The need to create equal opportunities for the female half of the world’s population is highlighted by the situation today where the industry is struggling to attract sufficient talent.
“Achieving an equal gender balance must be core to any long-term talent strategy,” said Sullivan.
