Yannick MALINGE

SVP - Head of Aviation Safety

Dear Aviation Colleagues,

The very recent AI 171 accident and the other tragic aviation events that have occurred since the beginning of 2025, are a stark reminder that safety is a permanent journey. We all have a key role to play to prevent events from happening: Manufacturers, operators, air traffic control, airports, authorities, and ultimately passengers. 

Indeed, estimates suggest that each passenger onboard an aircraft now typically carries four to five Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) when they take a flight. With five billion passengers expected to fly on aircraft in 2025, we are talking about a staggering 20 to 25 billion lithium batteries flying every year, representing a very widespread risk. Measures taken by the industry are a must to contain this risk, including making sure that crews are trained to timely and efficiently address lithium battery fires. However, containing this risk also relies on every single passenger being increasingly aware of their personal impact on aviation safety. We should consider doing more information sharing on this subject.

We have made great progress together in reinforcing and disseminating a safety culture over the past decades. And with the foreseen increase in air traffic, I am confident that we will continue to grow this safety culture,  and we will do it for everyone, because safety is everyone’s business.  

Safety first is one of the many contributions to that journey. Starting with each of us, I encourage every reader to share this publication with aviation professionals in your networks who may not yet be aware of it. Feel free also to reuse its content to reach out to an even wider audience.

I, along with the Airbus Aviation Safety team, wish you safe flying in the months ahead.