Air-safety experts weigh rules for battery cargo on jets

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This week, ICAO’s dangerous goods panel is set to consider, and possibly suggest new restrictions, on the shipment of lithium batteries. Boeing and Airbus have come out in support of tightening the rules, while the rechargeable battery lobby group, PBRA, has opposed some of the safety measures under consideration. Many airlines, including Cathay, AirFrance-KLM, United and Qantas, however, have taken matters into their own hands and imposed their own bans on shipping lithium batteries either in passenger aircraft, or at all.