How Lithium Battery Fires Hitting Aircraft Twice A Week Forced Delta Air Lines To Rethink Crew Training

Lithium battery fires are increasingly disrupting aircraft operations, and the frequency—estimated globally at one or two thermal runaway events every week—has pushed Delta Air Lines to reassess cabin fire safety training. The airline cited data showing thermal runaway incidents averaging two per week in 2024, with 18% of onboard cases leading to diversions, returning to the gate, or emergency evacuations. Delta also noted that 89% of incidents occur on aircraft, and 52% happen during cruise. Delta, working in an environment tracked by the FAA and industry safety groups as a top-tier cabin hazard, has ordered four new trainers from Flame Aviation. It will receive two V7000 Brigade units for its Atlanta facility and two V9000 Commander units for its Salt Lake City pilot training center, with deliveries expected in Q1 and Q2 2027, after commissioning in response to rising lithium battery incidents.