Airlines can now install non-rechargeable lithium batteries in emergency beacons

US aviation regulators have created new safety rules for installing non-rechargeable lithium batteries in emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) on airplanes. This means Delta Flight Products can now modify planes with these battery systems, which were previously not covered by existing safety standards.

For years, the rules for aircraft design did not account for modern battery technology. This meant that new components using these batteries could not be easily approved. This change allows for the use of more advanced, lighter, and potentially more reliable battery systems in critical safety equipment, which could improve the performance of emergency beacons.