Source: Radio New Zealand
Air NZ said power banks must not be put in overhead lockers. (File photo) Supplied/ Air NZ
Air New Zealand has updated its rules around the use of portable power banks on its flights following bans by multiple international airlines.
Air NZ’s chief risk and safety officer Nathan McGraw, confirmed that from December 9, customers would not be allowed to carry more than two power banks per person and they could not be used during take-off landing or taxi.
McGraw said the changes had been made to “keep everybody on board safe”.
Last month Jetstar confirmed it would ban the use of portable power banks from December 15, for all of its flights due to the safety risks of damaged or defective lithium battery-powered devices.
Multiple international airlines including Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, South Korean Airlines, Qantas, Virgin and China Airlines banned the use of power banks on flights earlier this year.
Power banks used lithium-ion batteries, which were known to be highly flammable and difficult to extinguish.
McGraw said power banks on AirNZ flights would now need to be kept either under the seat in front of the passenger or in the seat back-pocket. The power banks could not be placed in bags in overhead lockers.
He said they could not be used to charge or power other devices during taxi, take-off or landing and couldn’t be recharged using in-seat or in-flight power outlets.
Power banks were already prohibited from checked baggage, he said.
“Based on information from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), we’ve chosen to make these changes ahead of formal regulatory updates. This proactive step aligns with international aviation safety best practice. Safety is our highest priority, and this change is all about keeping our customers and crew safe.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
