US officials urge airlines to study risks of bulk lithium battery shipments

Washington

US AVIATION safety officials are raising new warnings about the dangers of carrying bulk shipments of lithium-based batteries on commercial flights.

The Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates the aviation industry, on Tuesday sent a notice to airlines urging them to study the fire and explosion risks of lithium shipments linked to three accidents before they place the volatile power packs in cargo holds.

"FAA battery fire testing has highlighted the potential risk of a catastrophic aircraft loss due to damage resulting f…