Fraunhofer (FH) has been contracted by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to investigate the risks of fire and smoke resulting from portable electronic devices (PEDs) in cabin and cockpits: LOKI-PED — Lithium Batteries Fire/Smoke Risks in Cabin | EASA ().

Within the project, FH is investigating the effects of emergency procedures as well as the handling of additional mitigation measures, like containment bags and extinguishers, under realistic conditions.

Therefore, tests with active cabin crew in the Flight Test Facility of Fraunhofer IBP, a former in-service wide body aircraft located south of Munich, will be conducted in 2025. Furthermore, the project will focus on the risk associated with the number and energy of the PEDs on board and will develop guidelines for the risk assessment of airlines.

To gain the industry perspective, FH is looking for active crew members, cabin crew trainers, and safety managers who want to be involved in the LOKI-PED project. You are welcome to share your perspective and knowledge about the handling of Lithium-Ion battery fires. In addition, you are invited to participate in the tests in the Flight Test Facility. You will benefit from a unique working group bringing together the relevant experts in the field.

A first online meeting with all interested parties will take place on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 1 pm to 3 pm (UTC+2). There, FH will introduce the concept of the workshop series and the test program within the LOKI-PED project, share the time table, and discuss legal issues like a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).