Tue Jan 07 23:30:00 UTC 2025: ## International Pilots’ Group Raises Alarm Over Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risks in Aviation

**Geneva, Switzerland – January 8, 2025** – The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) has issued a stark warning about the increasing fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries used in both aircraft and airport settings. Three position papers released by the organization highlight concerns stemming from the growing reliance on electric vehicles (EVs) and increasingly energy-dense batteries within the aviation industry.

IFALPA, representing over 100,000 professional pilots globally, points to the unique challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires. Unlike traditional fuel-based fires, these blazes release toxic fumes, burn intensely, and are extremely difficult to extinguish, often requiring firefighters to simply allow them to burn out.

The position papers address several key issues:

* **Airport and Ground Handling:** One paper urges airports and ground service providers to invest in specialized fire-fighting equipment and protocols designed to handle the unique characteristics of lithium-ion battery fires. The increasing use of EVs in airport operations further exacerbates this risk.

* **In-Flight Safety:** Another paper focuses on the potential for lithium-ion battery fires in aircraft cockpits, highlighting concerns about the inadequacy of existing fire suppression systems to handle high-energy batteries. This follows studies by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) revealing shortcomings in current safety measures.

* **Transport Regulations:** A third paper examines UN regulations governing the air transport of lithium-ion batteries (UN3480 and UN3481). IFALPA argues that current regulations, which allow for higher state of charge (SOC) in certain situations, need to be revised to include a 30% SOC limit across the board to mitigate risks associated with increased battery energy density and shrinking equipment sizes. Recent incidents, such as those following Hurricane Helene in November 2024, where numerous EV batteries caught fire in saltwater, further underscore these concerns.

The growing adoption of lithium-ion batteries, driven by the aviation industry’s carbon neutrality goals, necessitates a proactive approach to safety. IFALPA’s call for improved safety measures and stricter regulations is a critical step in addressing the potential hazards associated with this technology’s widespread use.

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