Aircraft
Boeing Explains Its Lithium Battery Warning to Airlines
The recent memorandum stems from recommendations made by the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations.
In 2013, the FAA Technical Center tested fire suppression of 5000 lithium batteries on a former FedEx Express Boeing 727. (Photo: FAA)
In 2013, the FAA Technical Center tested fire suppression of 5000 lithium batteries on a former FedEx Express Boeing 727. (Photo: FAA)

Boeing's recent guidance to passenger airlines advising that they not carry lithium-ion batteries in their cargo holds stems from the recommendations an industry-wide group has presented to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It recognizes that fire suppression systems as currently certified cannot stop a fire involving bulk quantities of the batteries, said Boeing’s technical safety chief for fire protection.