SF Airlines Ensures First Large-Scale Lithium Battery Export Transport

On December 8, 2022, a shipment of large power lithium batteries manufactured by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) was successfully transported from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport to Frankfurt Airport, Germany via SF Airlines' freighter service. This marked the first export of Chinese-produced large power lithium batteries transported by a domestic airline. Leveraging its aviation advantages, SF Airlines has expanded its international dangerous goods transportation capabilities, connecting domestic and global markets to support new energy exports and promote high-quality development in the new energy sector.

Exploring Industry Needs, Enhancing Transport Capabilities

SF Airlines developed a comprehensive transportation plan in advance. Under the safety supervision of the Civil Aviation Administration of China's Central and Southern Regional Administration and Shenzhen Safety Supervision Bureau, the airline actively prepared special A99 approval materials and strictly implemented transportation requirements, conducting thorough assessments of transport capabilities from both aviation certification and personnel qualification perspectives. The Civil Aviation Dangerous Goods Transportation Management Center provided whole-process guidance on safety testing for the lithium batteries and their packaging, assisting all parties in preparing approval documents and completing technical reviews. CATL strictly adhered to international standards in conducting transportation safety tests and packaging safety tests for the lithium batteries.

Implementing Rigorous Measures, Strengthening Safety Defenses

To ensure the successful completion of this transportation mission, SF Airlines and Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, under the on-site guidance of the Civil Aviation Hubei Supervision Bureau and with remote observation from the Central and Southern Regional Administration, Shenzhen Supervision Bureau, and the Civil Aviation Dangerous Goods Transportation Management Center, conducted an emergency drill based on the scenario of "dangerous goods catching fire in the cargo warehouse area." This exercise tested the effectiveness and efficiency of Wuhan Tianhe Airport's emergency plan and SF Airlines' emergency response procedures. Through coordinated efforts, valuable experience was gained to ensure the safety of large lithium battery air transport.

Focusing on Key Processes, Reinforcing Safety Responsibilities

On December 7, representatives from the Civil Aviation Dangerous Goods Transportation Management Center, Civil Aviation Hubei Supervision Bureau, and CATL remotely monitored the entire process of cargo acceptance and security checks, gaining full visibility of the transportation process. They jointly discussed solutions and future directions for issues encountered during transport preparation and services and support.

The air transportation of large lithium batteries represents a deep integration between air cargo enterprises and the new energy vehicle manufacturing supply chain. Such integration between industrial and supply chains is a primary direction for the development of air logistics. The enhancement of civil aviation cargo safety capabilities plays a crucial role in the strategic development of air logistics. This transportation mission has elevated the safety capabilities of all supply chain participants. SF Airlines has taken a critical step toward establishing a safe, efficient, convenient, and high-quality dangerous goods air transportation service system, laying the foundation for expanding air logistics development and meeting emerging market demands. Moving forward, SF Airlines will continue to leverage its strengths in the cargo industry to support high-quality sector development.