Release #14.57
July 31, 2014
New Federal Rule Key Step to Enhance Safety of Shipping Lithium Batteries by Air
WASHINGTON––The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement today in response to the new rule regarding the shipment of lithium batteries issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
“The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l is pleased that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued overdue safety regulations for transporting lithium batteries by air and has taken steps to harmonize existing U.S. rules with international standards.
“While ALPA is still conducting a detailed review of the new regulations, PHMSA’s action today is recognition of the serious risk that unregulated shipments of lithium batteries pose to all who depend on air transportation. We look forward to continuing to work with the regulator to ensure that air transportation is fully safeguarded against fire and other safety hazards that are associated with inadequately protected air shipments of lithium batteries.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 51,000 pilots at 31 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or Media@alpa.org
