Each year, nearly 30 thousand tons of parcels are transported by air in Poland, and this number is growing dynamically. Since international mail is transported both on passenger and cargo aircrafts, it is very important to constantly make senders of parcels aware that not all items can be transported by air.
7 December 2021. The Civil Aviation Authority is launching an information campaign entitled "Have a safe flight freight!” which aims to increase public awareness of what can be sent and what is prohibited in international postal and courier services.
The timing of the campaign is no coincidence. December and the run-up to Christmas is the time when most international mail is sent, so it is particularly important now to remind people of safety rules and to make them aware of the dangers of not observing them - Piotr Samson, President of the Civil Aviation Authority said.
Dangerous objects and materials are more and more frequently transported by air they may pose a threat to the safety of the aircraft and the persons and property on board. Improper packaging or fluctuations in temperature or pressure may cause damage to the shipment, leakage of corrosive or flammable substances, generation of toxic fumes, starting of fires or even explosions.
Only in December 2020, Polish Post security control operators detected 2,643 fireworks and sparklers in international mail. This is more than a threefold increase compared to December 2019.
Air transport is all about safety. In the new campaign, we are raising awareness and reminding shippers and freight companies that some items such as fireworks or sparklers cannot be sent by air for safety reasons, and that their shipment is subject to special procedures. We hope that the campaign will translate into an increased awareness of the risks associated with the inappropriate posting and carriage of hazardous materials, and a reduction in the number of related aviation incidents - Piotr Samson, President of the Civil Aviation Authority said.
Hazardous materials include items and substances that are often seemingly harmless, which we use every day. Nail polish, perfume, hairspray, lithium batteries, accumulators, torches, lighters, mercury thermometers, oil-based paints or fireworks sent by post or courier services may pose a threat to the life and health of passengers and flight crew, as well as the integrity of the aircraft structure.
As a part of the campaign, a special tab has been created on the CAA website, at ulc.gov.pl/bezpiecznegoluku, containing a classification of hazardous materials and rules for their safe shipment by air. The "Have a safe flight freight!” campaign will also include the broadcast of an educational spot, an Internet and social media campaign, as well as the distribution of posters and leaflets.
All courier operators, freight companies, air carriers and other interested parties are encouraged to join our campaign and promote safety measures in aviation.
