AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) has obtained approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for the commercial transport of lithium batteries over 35 kg.

The company said it became the first airline to receive SP A99 approval in China, after two years of preliminary work, testing and collaboration with stakeholders.

The first commercial shipment of 113 kg was launched on October 20 from Shanghai Pudong Airport in Frankfurt.

Tom Ouyang, Regional Special Cargo Manager of ABC – Asia and Pacific, said: “This is an important event for the LB industry in China and we are honored to be the first airline to obtain the CAAC approval.

“The export of the first shipment of SP A99 lithium battery is a remarkable milestone in the airline logistics industry in China.

“Our appreciation for the great efforts made by the authorities, the client and our teams to achieve this. With the successful experience, we are encouraged to support more and more customers on the transportation of this special cargo in the future. “

The airline has said the use – and size – of lithium batteries is on the rise.

“With China being the home of the major lithium battery manufacturers, there has been disruption in efficient logistics and most of the customers have been dealing with ocean freight.

“The CAAC approval will allow ABC to capitalize on the growing demand for transporting SP A99, providing logistics solutions to its existing customers and gaining new ones. “