Volga-Dnepr Group’s AirBridgeCargo Airlines arm has obtained Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) approval for commercial transportation of lithium batteries over 35kg, which are commonly addressed as SP (Special provision) A99. ABC says it is the first airline to receive this type of approval in China and it follows two years of preliminary work, testing, and close collaboration with stakeholders.
The first commercial shipment of 113kg was flown on 20 October from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Frankfurt (Germany) for Contemporary Amperex Technology.
AABC regional special cargo manager for Asia and Pacific, Tom Ouyang, said: “This is an important event for the LB industry in China and we are honoured to be the first airline to get CAAC approval. The export of the first SP A99 lithium battery shipment is a remarkable milestone in the air logistics industry in China. With the successful experience, we are encouraged to support more and more customers on the transportation of this special cargo in future.”
China has become a major center for Lithium battery manufacturing, but until now most customers have tended to favor sea freight.