Speaking of transporting Li-Ion batteries as cargo. The bible (IATA DG) allows it, under certain circumstances, to be loaded on the main-deck of freighters. I know of one all-cargo airline who said "bollocks", and mandated all RLI and RLM be loaded lower-deck only, which is a Class C (fire suppression installed) compartment on their aircraft.
The decision was made following a very exhaustive investigation, during which a couple of packages containing Li-Ion batteries caught fire in warehouses around the world. That might have sharpened people's attention, but the decision to impose any kind of restrictions involving the carriage of Li-Ion's was met by a tremendous amount of pressure from the commercial department. Not surprising really; integrators carry an obscene amount of electronics, much of it containing batteries. The airline was actually more intent on banning the things outright, but the compromise "Class C compt. only" was made. For commercial reasons, not safety.
Last edited by SMT Member; 28th Mar 2013 at 18:38.