Airbus is ready to implement alternative options to the lithium-ion jet batteries for its new A350 XWB (eXtra Wide Body) jetliner if the regulatory authorities conclude the use of these batteries is unsafe.
Speaking to reporters, Airbus chief executive Fabrice Bregier was quoted by Reuters as saying that the risks of lithium-ion batteries were identified before the development stage and integration on the A350 has been carefully studied.
"If it has to change in a more drastic way because the authorities reach the conclusion that the technology is not mature, then we have all the time we need to do this on the A350 before first delivery in the second half of 2014," he said.
Airbus selected Saft to deliver lithium-ion battery systems, which will serve as the starting and emergency power supply on the A350 aircraft.
Mostly used in smartphones and hybrid vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are lighter, smaller and more powerful compared with traditional nickel or lead-acid batteries. However, they also can explode, resulting in a fire risk if handled improperly.
In March 2011, Airbus warned the airline industry about the risks related to the lithium-ion batteries such as the risk of flames, explosion, smoke and leakage in case of thermal runaway or uncontrolled battery overheating.
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By GlobalDataThe aviation regulatory authorities are currently investigating into the recent battery explodes on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Scheduled to enter service in 2014, A350 XWB is a longer and heavier variant of the A350.
Image: The first A350 XWB flight test aircraft at Airbus’ final assembly line in Toulouse, France. Photo: P Masclet / Airbus SAS.
