Canada-based airline WestJet has placed a temporary embargo on all shipments containing lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries until further notice.
The airline said the embargo includes UN 3481 and UN3090 for both restricted and unrestricted batteries packed with or contained in equipment.
“No further bookings will be taken for lithium-ion or lithium-metal battery shipments until the embargo has ended,” a notice read.
The airline told Air Cargo News that the move was due to its cargo team recently moving in-house.
“This transition has enabled us to have greater visibility and control over our operations,” a spokesperson said. “As safety is always our top priority, we’re in the process of conducting a thorough review of our processes and products to ensure the continued safe operation of our aircraft. A temporary embargo on lithium batteries has been implemented until we finalise and implement any necessary updates to our processes or procedures.”
Lithium batteries have been in the headlines of late. Last week, Lufthansa Cargo placed a temporary embargo on a shipper and forwarder, which was lifted after a few days.
