Etihad Cargo has attained the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries (CEIV Li-batt) certification.

The carrier said it is the third Middle Eastern airline to attain this certification and has become only the fifth airline globally to achieve CEIV Pharma, Fresh, Live Animals and Li-batt certifications.

CEIV Li-batt certification is a globally recognised endorsement, signifying an airline's capability to handle and transport lithium batteries in accordance with the highest safety and efficiency standards.

Certification involves a comprehensive assessment of an airline's operational processes, staff training programs, and compliance with global safety regulations.

Etihad Cargo noted that it underwent an extensive audit by independent validators, demonstrating the carrier's commitment to meeting and surpassing industry standards.

"According to IATA, lithium batteries represent one-third of the dangerous goods transported by air and have become the preferred energy source for a wide variety of consumer goods, including mobile phones, cars, e-bikes and children's toys. Achieving CEIV Li-batt certification highlights Etihad Cargo's dedication to maintaining the highest safety and operational excellence standards," said Thomas Schürmann, head of cargo operations & delivery at Etihad Cargo.

"This achievement positions the carrier among an elite group of global airlines that are committed to meeting the safety obligations of the lithium battery supply chain through the competent handling and transport of these products," he added.

Kamil Al Awadhi, IATA's regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East noted that consumer demand for items containing lithium batteries is growing rapidly, and handling and transporting these by air comes with stringent regulatory requirements.

"Adding CEIV Li-batt to its CEIV Fresh, CEIV Pharma and CEIV Live Animals certification means Etihad Cargo is committed to the highest levels of safety and compliance in the transport of dangerous and temperature-sensitive goods," Al Awadhi said.

"We congratulate the airline on being one of the first airlines in the Middle East to complete the suite of CEIV certifications. Etihad Cargo's customers can have confidence that their special cargo will be delivered in top condition."

Gaining CEIV Li-batt certification comes at a crucial time when the demand for the safe and secure transportation of lithium batteries, widely used in a range of electronic devices, is surging.

Etihad Cargo said this milestone also aligns with the carrier's continuous strategic efforts to expand its product portfolio and adhere to the most stringent international safety and quality standards.