Nordisk Aviation (Nordisk), a leading provider of Unit Load Devices (“ULDs”), has signed an agreement with Emirates for the procurement of advanced fire-resistant AKE containers for baggage and cargo.
The agreement will provide Emirates with up to 10,000 of Nordisk’s state-of-the-art AKE containers, designed to mitigate the risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires during transport.
Nordisk’s AKE containers are innovative in their design, offering the lightest weight in the market while providing unparalleled fire protection against Lithium-Ion Battery Fires. The design emphasises low carbon footprint and sustainability with most components being 100% recyclable.
To validate the containers’ performance against lithium-ion battery fire risks, Nordisk collaborated with Emirates to conduct rigorous fire testing. While the aerospace standard (SAE AS8992) outlines requirements for Class A paper fires, Nordisk and Emirates devised a more demanding testing scenario.
The tests exceeded industry requirements and included a heavy-duty fire simulation involving an AKE container with 1,000 18650-Li-ion battery cells distributed across 60 pieces of luggage and other flammable items like clothing, toiletries and alcohol bottles. The Nordisk AKE’s design allowed flue gases to escape while preventing oxygen inflow, and contained the fire for the entire six-hour testing period.
“Safety and innovation are at the core of our mission,” said Chris Kumar, General Manager of Nordisk Aviation. “This partnership with Emirates demonstrates our commitment to providing industry-leading solutions that meet the evolving safety challenges of the aviation sector. By combining advanced technology with sustainability, we are setting new standards for fire-resistant cargo containers and help solve the problems faced by our strategic partners.”
Li-ion batteries, whether declared or undeclared, pose a significant risk in cargo and baggage shipments. Nordisk Aviation’s extensive testing has helped identify critical factors that influence fire intensity, ensuring the containers are equipped to handle such incidents effectively.
The agreement provides Emirates with cutting-edge fire protection technology and establishes a foundation for collaboration and innovation in aviation safety.
