Aviation body IATA is calling for tighter regulations relating to the transport of lithium batteries, which have been implicated in several aircraft fires.
It is urging governments to impose heftier fines and custodial sentences on those who flout the rules and endanger passenger and cargo aircraft.
IATA has joined forces with leaders of the lithium battery supply chain to send a letter to Ministers of Trade, Industry and Transport, and Directors of Civil Aviation in the world’s largest lithium battery manufacturing and export countries.
The letter calls for cooperative enforcement initiatives between jurisdictions to address situations where lithium batteries manufactured in one state are driven over a border to be flown from another state.
"Safety is aviation’s top priority," said Tony Tyler IATA’s director general and CEO.
"Airlines, shippers and manufacturers have worked hard to establish rules that ensure lithium batteries can be carried safely. But the rules are only effective if they are enforced and backed-up by significant penalties.
"Government authorities must step up and take responsibility for regulating rogue producers and exporters. And flagrant abuses of dangerous goods shipping regulations, which place aircraft and passenger safety at risk, must be criminalised."
He said the actions of a minority threaten to undermine confidence in legitimate battery and product manufacturers, which is ‘a matter of deep concern for our members’.
