Flying the World’s Most Dangerous Cargo—Safely
Takeaways
Cathay Cargo safely transports dangerous goods (DG) such as radioactive isotopes, lithium-ion batteries, and toxic substances essential to healthcare, technology, and energy. It is one of the few carriers certified to handle all nine DG classes, prioritizing strict safety and reliability protocols.
As air cargo volumes grow, so do the risks—particularly with lithium batteries prone to fire and re-ignition. Cathay uses AI screening, regulatory-compliant containment, and staff trained under IATA standards to minimize human error and prevent incidents. Speed and safety remain balanced through digitization.
Cathay promotes a safety-first culture across its operations, engaging with global regulators and educating shippers to ensure compliance. It views complex DG logistics as a core strength, offering expert support and seamless handling to meet the rising global demand for hazardous cargo transport.
Summary by Bloomberg AI
A patient sits in a hospital waiting room. The doctor has ordered a Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) scan, a test that could change the course of their treatment. What makes the scan possible is a radioactive isotope, created in a lab only hours before. If it doesn’t arrive on time, the appointment—and the diagnosis—will be lost.
Every year, millions of PET scans take place worldwide. Each depends on a fragile supply chain. Radioactive isotopes are just one example of the dangerous goods (DG) carried daily by Cathay Cargo.
From lithium batteries and infectious substances to explosives and corrosives, these materials power healthcare, technology, energy, and industry. The challenge: all pose risks if mishandled. The achievement: Cathay Cargo is one of the few carriers in the world capable of transporting all nine classes of DG safely.
“Our commitment to reliability and safety is how Cathay Cargo helps power essential medical diagnostics and treatments worldwide, ensuring that life-saving technologies are delivered with the dependability you can count on,” says Tim Wong, General Manager of Cargo Service Delivery at Cathay Cargo.
Globally, more than 1.25 million shipments of dangerous goods travel by air each year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).[1] With air cargo volumes projected to continue growing every year, the number of DG shipments is only set to rise. Incidents, particularly involving lithium-ion batteries, have also grown as consumer demand for electronics accelerates.
The risks are serious: fires, explosions, toxic releases. Some lithium batteries can reignite even after being extinguished. “Human error, improper packaging, and undeclared or mis-declared cargo can all lead to accidents,” Wong explains. “That’s why training, vigilance, and technology are critical.”
For customers, Cathay Cargo’s capabilities translate into reliability. A hospital can count on its isotopes arriving intact. A technology firm can move bulk shipments of lithium batteries knowing they’ll be contained safely if something goes wrong. An energy company can ship flammable liquids or toxic gases with confidence.
“Being able to handle all nine classes of dangerous goods means customers don’t need to juggle multiple carriers,” says Wong. “We provide a one-stop solution with the assurance of IATA-certified expertise and full compliance.”
Cathay Cargo also embraces digitization, offering a digital Lithium Batteries Shipper Approval Request Form to streamline and speed up the evaluation process for shippers and forwarders to within five hours. The goal is faster customer service without compromising safety.
The process begins at the cargo terminal, where certified experts scrutinize shipper declarations to ensure accuracy. Advanced AI-assisted screening then goes further, analyzing shipments to detect undeclared or mis-declared DGs hidden in general cargo.
“Our AI technology enhances detection accuracy while minimizing processing delays,” says Wong. “It helps us prevent safety risks before shipment.”
Cargo that passes inspection is stored in segregated, regulatory-approved facilities until loading. For lithium batteries, Cathay Cargo deploys multiple options of containment: Fire Containment Bags, larger skid-size versions, and Fire Resistant Containers. These systems suffocate flames by restricting oxygen while allowing smoke to escape and trigger detectors.
The hardware is complemented by constant staff training. Every Cathay Cargo handler undergoes competency-based programs updated regularly with scenario-based exercises. “At Cathay Cargo, safety and excellence start with world-class training,” Wong says. “All our trainers hold IATA qualifications, so our people learn from industry-certified experts.”
Safety is embedded in Cathay Cargo’s organizational culture, where safety and wellbeing are considered in every choice and action. The company’s Safety Management System is guided by key principles including Just Culture, treating every irregularity as an opportunity to learn and share, not to assign blame.
“Safety is part of everything we do at Cathay Cargo,” says Wong. “Our people are trusted to speak up, make informed choices, and help us learn and improve together.”
Open reporting and transparent communication are encouraged at every level, enabling timely action and continuous improvement. Through collaboration with regulators, and industry bodies such as IATA, Cathay Cargo helps to shape global standards and drive operational excellence. Its achievement of CEIV Lithium Battery certification reflects a commitment to proactive safety management and world-class leadership in handling complex cargo types.
Despite the precautions, many shippers still misunderstand what counts as dangerous goods. Everyday items—cosmetics, aerosols, or small batteries—can all fall under IATA’s DG rules. Another misconception is that compliance rests solely with the airline.
“In reality, shippers play a critical role,” Wong notes. “They must accurately declare the goods, use proper packaging, and provide compliant documentation. Failure can mean delays, violations, or embargoes.”
That’s why Cathay Cargo invests heavily in upstream management, as demonstrated by its Cargo Agent Operation Programme and workshops focused on lithium battery handling. The aim is to extend its safety culture beyond its own staff to partners across the supply chain.
As global trade expands, the role of dangerous goods will only grow. Lithium batteries alone are projected to see demand rise by double digits annually, driven by electric vehicles and consumer electronics. Biological samples for medical research are proliferating, too.
Cathay Cargo is preparing by pushing for greater harmonization of global standards, enhanced AI-assisted risk detection, and deeper collaboration with shippers and regulators. “We don't see complex DG as a problem; we see it as our specialty,” says Wong. “By engaging with us early, our customers benefit from our expert guidance on packaging, documentation, and routing. This partnership approach ensures seamless, compliant transport, giving you peace of mind and a competitive edge by enabling shipments that others cannot handle.”
In an industry where safety is non-negotiable, Cathay Cargo has positioned itself as a leader. Behind every shipment is a human need: a diagnosis, a phone call, a power source. Meeting those needs safely, swiftly, and globally is the airline’s mission.
And it all comes back to that patient waiting for their PET scan. The radioactive isotope arrives on time. The test goes ahead. Life-saving answers follow.
Sources
