Korean Air announced that it received IATA's Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Lithium Batteries certification in April.

Introduced in 2021, the CEIV Lithium Batteries certification establishes and validates baseline standards to improve the level of competency and quality management in the handling and transport of lithium battery shipments throughout the supply chain.

In a statement, Korean Air noted that experts conduct an in-depth evaluation of all aspects of the transportation process and procedures based on standardized audit criteria consisting of over 240 items to ensure that the organization meets the program's standards.

Source: Korean Air

It added that in December 2022, the airline joined a working group led by Incheon International Airport Corporation with various stakeholders, such as forwarders and operators, in the domestic air cargo sector to prepare for the CEIV Lithium Batteries certification.

Korean Air said all of the stakeholders in the working group were successfully certified in the first half of 2023.

"With more than five decades of air cargo insight and knowhow, Korean Air is an expert in rendering bespoke specialized cargo services. When transporting lithium batteries, specific handling standards and procedures are applied depending on the type and capacity of the battery," the airline said.

"When necessary, the airline may also apply its own proprietary procedures that are more rigorous than the ones set forth by international standards," it added.

 Source: Korean Air

Increased volume in lithium battery transport

Korean Air said transportation of lithium batteries exceeds 10% of the airline's total air cargo volume, and this number is projected to grow with consumer demand for smartphones, handheld electronic devices and electric vehicles.

The airline noted that it expects the IATA CEIV certification to further enhance its established reputation in safe and reliable air cargo services.

"As the leading air cargo carrier in Korea, the airline will continue to enhance its services and strengthen its competitive advantage in the global aviation market," the South Korean flag carrier added.