According to the Bangkok Post on the 9th, Thailand’s state-run airline, Thai Airways, announced a statement banning passengers from using auxiliary batteries on board from the 15th. “This is a measure to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members,” Thai Airways said. “We do not allow portable batteries to be charged throughout the trip.” However, it added that carrying auxiliary batteries on board is not completely prohibited.
Malaysia-based AirAsia, Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, has also decided to limit the use of portable batteries during flight from May 4. Passengers are advised not to put batteries on overhead shelves or charge their phones with auxiliary batteries after boarding. This means that passengers can only carry the batteries when seated.
Thai and Malaysian aviation authorities have limited the maximum number of auxiliary batteries that can be carried into the plane to two per person for 100Wh to 160Wh or less. Those exceeding 160Wh will be prohibited from being brought into the plane. Eva Air and Tiger Air, Taiwan’s major airlines, also banned the use and charging of auxiliary and lithium batteries during flights from May 1.
The Korean airline industry is also strengthening its own management. Before boarding, Air Busan sends passengers a text message asking them to carry all the batteries in a zipper-type plastic pack. Jeju Air added a notice that auxiliary batteries must be stored in the vehicle or in a visible place, not on a shelf.
This is due to a recent series of aviation accidents caused by auxiliary batteries. On January 28, a fire broke out on the Hong Kong-bound Air Busan flight BX391, which was preparing to take off at Gimhae International Airport’s mooring. As portable auxiliary batteries are likely to be the cause, countries are also quickly strengthening related regulations.
A similar accident occurred in Southeast Asia. On the way to Bangkok, Thailand from Johorbaru, Malaysia, on March 24, the auxiliary battery of Batik Air caught fire and thick smoke filled the cabin. As the crew put out the fire quickly, it did not spread to a major accident, but passengers were relieved.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
