China has successfully tested a new active safety system for transporting lithium batteries by air, marking a breakthrough in tackling global risks linked to energy product logistics. The maiden flight took off from Ezhou Huahu International Airport in Hubei Province, reported Xinhua.

The SF Express cargo flight carried power batteries fitted with the system, coinciding with a seminar on battery air logistics supply chains in Ezhou. Industry experts and company representatives discussed bottlenecks and solutions during the event.

China, the world�� largest power battery producer, recorded lithium battery output of 1.2 trillion yuan (US$170 billion) in 2024. Air transport volumes rose 21.26 per cent year on year to 645,000 tonnes, but regulators classify the cargo as high-risk due to combustion and explosion hazards.

To address these challenges, the project was listed as a national key research initiative under the 14th Five-Year Plan. It is led by Chongqing Jiaotong University with support from CATL and the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology.

Project leader Wu Jinzhong said the team tackled unclear thermal runaway mechanisms, material failures and limited testing technologies. They developed a full-chain safety system using artificial intelligence to monitor 12 indicators in real time, issuing millisecond-level warnings and triggering emergency containment.

The pilot flight showed the technology can move from laboratory to industrial use, offering a viable solution for rapid battery distribution. Wu said nationwide promotion is planned to standardise the power battery supply chain.