Dnata has received the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) accreditation for the safe and compliant handling of lithium batteries.

dnata’s journey with IATA’s CEIV lithium battery programme began in April 2023. Less than 12 months later, it has become the first ground services provider to certify 11 of its worldwide stations, which all took part in a comprehensive audit process. The company’s stations in Australia and Pakistan were the first to complete the assessment phase, followed by Singapore, Belgium, the UK, and UAE.

dnata’s receipt of full accreditation provides its customers with a guarantee of quality and safety, ensuring consistency throughout its operations.

Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s Senior Vice President, UAE Cargo and Global Cargo Strategy, said: “We are pleased to achieve IATA’s CEIV Lithium Battery accreditation, a testament to our commitment to safety and compliance. This recognition underscores our ongoing efforts to maintain the highest standards in the handling of dangerous goods, ensuring the safety of our operations and the satisfaction of our customers.”

Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, said: “The volume of air shipments containing lithium batteries is rising. Ensuring these items are transported safely and efficiently is a top priority for the industry. Key to this is complying with regulatory changes and the integration of best practices in lithium battery handling across the supply chain. This is why CEIV Lithium Batteries was established.

“We commend dnata for being the first Ground Handling Agent to achieve CEIV lithium battery certification across its network of 11 hubs. This accomplishment not only benefits dnata's customers by guaranteeing their shipments are handled with utmost efficiency and safety, but also sets a quality benchmark for the industry.”