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.

- Why is the IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification so important?

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.

“At LOT Polish Airlines, we have been consistent in establishing the highest competences in quality and safety. As a modern airline who has obtained the CEIV Lithium Batteries certification, we confirm that we maintain global standards in operations. Our continued drive is to gradually respond to the rapidly evolving market conditions. By the end of this year, we hope to complete our procedures and training to include the top level of competences in the transportation of perishable goods. This is how we intend to prove that we are compliant with all available global IATA standards and strengthen our position in the market”, says Michał Grochowski, director of LOT Polish Airlines’ Cargo and Mail Department.

- What is the IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification?

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.

- Rules for obtaining the certification

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.

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