dnata gains IATA CEIV lithium battery certification

Dubai-based aviation services provider dnata has received the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) accreditation for the safe and compliant handling of lithium batteries.

The announcement was made in Hong Kong at this week’s IATA World Cargo Symposium, being held between 12 and 14 March.

Certification underlines dnata’s commitment to meeting rigorous safety standards and regulatory requirements in the handling of potentially hazardous materials, the company said.

dnata began working towards IATA CEIV lithium battery certification in April last year. It has now seen 11 of its worldwide stations accredited, all of which took part in a comprehensive audit process.

The company’s stations in Australia and Pakistan were the first to complete the assessment phase, followed by Singapore, Belgium, the UK, and the UAE.

Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s senior vice president, UAE cargo and global cargo strategy, described certification as “a testament to our commitment to safety and compliance.

“This recognition underscores our ongoing efforts to maintain the highest standards in the handling of dangerous goods, ensuring the safety of our operations and the satisfaction of our customers.”

Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s global head of air cargo, added: “The volume of air shipments containing lithium batteries is rising.

“Ensuring these items are transported safely and efficiently is a top priority for the industry. Key to this is complying with regulatory changes and the integration of best practices in lithium battery handling across the supply chain.

“This is why CEIV Lithium Batteries was established.

“We commend dnata for being the first ground handling agent to achieve CEIV lithium battery certification across its network of 11 hubs.

“This accomplishment not only benefits dnata’s customers by guaranteeing their shipments are handled with utmost efficiency and safety, but also sets a quality benchmark for the industry.”

Investment in standards

dnata has invested in training and process improvements in its handling of dangerous goods in recent years.

In 2021, it became the first global air services provider to adopt IATA’s Dangerous Goods Autocheck (DG Autocheck) platform for the acceptance of dangerous goods shipments.

Then, in December 2023, dnata was accredited with IATA’s Corporate Certification for competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) for Dangerous Goods.

Recognition

Also at the IATA WCS in Hong Kong this week, Dubai-based carrier Emirates has been recognised by IATA for developing a mobile app dedicated to the safe shipment of lithium batteries.

dnata forms aviation services provider element of the Emirates Group.

IATA awarded Emirates a Competency-Based Training and Assessment Center (CBTA Center) Innovation Award.