Incheon Airport Community scores a world first with IATA certification

The Incheon International Airport Community has become the world’s first of its kind to receive Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Lithium Batteries (Li-Batt) certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

This adds to to the airport’s IATA CEIV certification in pharmaceuticals (Pharma) and perishable goods (Fresh).

To acquire the CEIV Li-Batt certification, the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) established the Incheon Airport Community in December 2022, consisting of a total of 11 companies, including three airlines, one ground handling company, and six logistics companies.

Over a five-month period, the community underwent certification procedures, including comprehensive education and evaluations, resulting in every member successfully obtaining the certification.

Hosted by the IIAC, the Incheon Airport Community includes Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, and ground handler Swissport Korea.

It also includes a number of logistics companies. These are: DB Schenker, LX Pantos, Lotte Global Logistics, Seoul Air Cargo, Sejin Logistics and Hyundai Glovis

While individual airlines, forwarders, and operators worldwide have previously achieved IATA’s Li-Batt certification since its inception in October 2021, this collective certification of an airport and its entire community is understood to be a first.

Acting IIAC president Hee-Jeong Lee said: “As the world’s first airport to obtain this certification, we will lead the way in the lithium battery air transport market.”

Driven by the escalating demand for lithium batteries due to e-commerce and electric vehicle markets, IATA introduced additional Li-Batt certification to ensure the safe transportation of these batteries in the global air cargo market.

The Incheon Airport Community successfully obtained IATA’s CEIV Pharma certification in June 2019. The community was recertified in September 2022.

In November 2022, the Incheon Airport Community achieved CEIV Fresh certification.

The IIAC plans to collaborate with airports worldwide to establish an international organisation division dedicated to ensuring the safe transportation of lithium batteries.