This joint IATA–UPU-ICAO webinar will focus on lithium batteries in airmail, and their challenges. It is the first of two webinars planned for 2026 on the topic of enhancing safety and security. The key topic of the webinar will address the potential danger of lithium batteries and their transport by airmail; and the roles, concerns and regulations of each organization. Other topics will include the facilitation of the safe and secure transport of Class 7 (radioactive materials), to mitigate the issue of denial and delay of shipments of radiopharmaceuticals, vital for cancer diagnosis and treatment; and the de minimis requirements and impact on air transport, the global de minimis trend, and the effective implementation by DPOs and air carriers.
Programme and Speakers:
- Introduction: ICAO
- Facilitation of the safe and secure transport of Class 7 (radioactive materials), to mitigate the issue of denial and delay of shipment: Mr. Ulric Schwela, Concultant, Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, IAEA
- Lithium batteries in airmail and their challenges (danger, concern, regulations). Transportation of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries: Gerald Gales, Hazardous Materials/Aviation Mail Security Specialist, United States Postal Inspection Service; Eric Gillet, Air Data Analyst, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority; Keith Ranck, Hazardous Materials Aviation Safety Analyst, United States Federal Aviation Administration; Pascal Lai, Cathay Pacific
- De minimis requirements and impact on air transport - Global de minimis trend - experience sharing. Effective implementation by DPOs and carriers: Jeffrey Elder, Head of Cargo Products, Delta Air Lines
- Closing: ICAO