Boeing stands by lithium-ion batteries

(AFP) - United States (US) aerospace giant Boeing said on Friday it will continue to use lithium-ion batteries, despite rival Airbus saying it would avoid them following two incidents on the Boeing 787.

"Boeing is confident in the safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries," said Boeing spokesman Marc Birtel.

"Our years of experience and deep expertise confirm that, like other technologies, when the appropriate battery, system and airplane protections are in place, lithium-ion batteries deliver significant benefits," Mr Birtel said.

Boeing's 787 Dreamliners were grounded indefinitely worldwide in January after battery smoke forced an emergency landing of one plane and a battery fire was reported on a parked plane.