Lithium batteries power much of the modern world, from personal electronics and medical devices to electric vehicles and industrial equipment. As global demand increases, so does the volume of lithium batteries moving through air cargo networks. While these shipments enable global commerce, they also require careful handling, as improperly managed lithium batteries can present fire and safety risks.
Ensuring safe transport is a shared responsibility. Airlines, ground handling agents, freight forwarders, and airport operators each play a crucial role in ensuring that every shipment is stored, handled, and transported consistently and safely. To achieve this, operational safety must be aligned across the airport community, supported by shared standards, clear communication, and verified compliance.
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What is a CEIV Lithium Batteries airport community? A CEIV Lithium Batteries airport community is a collective and collaborative network of all stakeholders, including public and private individuals and organizations, whose activities and interests are directly linked to airport operations and connected systems. The community is formed when an airport and its partners collectively embark on CEIV LI-Batt certification, ensuring that every member adheres to the highest standards for the safe, efficient and compliant handling, storage and management of lithium batteries shipments across the supply chain at that specific airport. |
Why a unified community approach matters: Every stakeholder is committed to safety, but when procedures differ across organizations, gaps can emerge. These gaps may include:
Because lithium battery handling requires precision, a shared, standardized framework is essential. Without alignment, consistency becomes harder to maintain and demonstrate. |
The IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification provides a globally recognized framework that supports safe, compliant, and efficient lithium battery transport across the airport community. The program helps stakeholders:
Each stakeholder certifies individually, yet the impact is collective. When multiple organizations at an airport are certified, they benefit from a common language and coordinated approach that strengthens end-to-end safety performance.
Participating organizations receive:
The results is certification that is both credible and operationally useful.
Community certification enhances safety, improves efficiency, and builds trust across the entire airport ecosystem. Shared standards reduce incidents, streamline workflows, and support stronger regulatory confidence. Airport community participating companies that certify together may also benefit from reduced certification costs through coordinated participation.
CEIV Lithium Batteries certification enables airports and their partners to demonstrate safety excellence and operational integrity. It brings consistency to complex cargo operations and strengthens trust with customners, regulators, and industry stakeholders. As lithium battery transport grows, certified airport communities lead the industry in ensuring safe, secure, and reliable cargo movements.
Want to learn more? Watch the panel discussion between IATA experts, Incheon International Airport, and Narita International Airport about their experience in the airport community.
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