ANA, one of Japan's leading airlines, has recently secured a prestigious certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Lithium Batteries (CEIV). This accolade, awarded on December 24, 2024, establishes ANA as the first Japanese carrier to achieve this distinction. Lithium batteries have emerged as a prominent power source for a wide array of consumer goods, constituting a significant portion of hazardous items transported by air.

IATA’s CEIV certification program serves as a crucial framework for ensuring the safe handling and transportation of lithium battery products. By abiding by relevant transport regulations, stakeholders such as shippers, freight forwarders, cargo handling facilities, and airlines demonstrate their proficiency in managing these potentially risky materials. As the Asian market witnesses a surge in the use of lithium batteries, particularly in sectors like electric vehicles, the need for secure transportation becomes paramount.

ANA's robust protocols for managing lithium batteries encompass various facets, encompassing specialized training, advanced equipment, safety guidelines, and stringent quality controls throughout its global route networks, chiefly centered around its international cargo hub at Narita International Airport (NRT). This meticulous approach has enabled ANA to meet IATA's stringent certification requirements, underscoring the airline's unwavering dedication to ensuring the safe and efficient transport of lithium batteries within its network.

Kenichi Wakiya, Executive Vice President of Cargo Marketing & Services at ANA and President & CEO of ANA Cargo, emphasized the airline's unwavering commitment to safety and reliability, stating, “At ANA, our top priority is the safety and reliability of our services to our valued customers. Being CEIV Li-batt certified by IATA reinforces our commitment to meeting our customers’ needs by providing the highest standards of safe transport.”

Commending ANA on this achievement, Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations Safety and Security, highlighted the significance of the CEIV Li-batt program in upholding industry-wide safety standards. He noted, “This certification underscores ANA’s commitment to meeting the highest standards in handling and transporting lithium batteries safely and efficiently.”

Alongside the CEIV Li-batt certification, ANA has also garnered IATA’s CEIV Pharma and CEIV Fresh certifications, highlighting the airline's excellence in handling pharmaceuticals and perishables. Overall, ANA's recent certification achievements underscore its dedication to upholding the utmost safety standards while meeting the evolving needs of its clientele.

(Source: Pilotcenter.net News)