Aviation safety takes flight

Editor's note: In this weekly feature China Daily gives voice to Asia and its people. The stories presented come mainly from the Asia News Network (ANN), of which China Daily is among its 20 leading titles.

Travelers who ignore a new aviation industry ban may face warnings, fines, or have their devices confiscated, experts tell The Straits Times.

From April 1, Singapore Airlines, or SIA, and its low-cost arm Scoot will prohibit passengers from using or charging power banks in-flight. This comes after a series of recent cabin fire incidents on carriers such as Batik Air and Air Busan.

Other Asian carriers, such as Thai Airways, Eva Air and China Airlines, have implemented similar rules.

Asked how the ban will be enforced, an SIA spokesperson said: "The safety of our customers and crew is a top priority for the SIA Group. Our crew are trained to remain vigilant and ensure customers comply with in-flight safety procedures."

While SIA has not specified consequences, experts such as John Tan, lead professional officer teaching air transport management degree program at Singapore Institute of Technology, or SIT, believe airlines will first issue warnings to passengers who do not comply.

Tan says: "If the problem continues, penalties could include fines or confiscation of the device. In extreme cases, passengers might be removed from the flight once it lands, and repeat offenders could be banned from future flights."

Caleb Sim, senior lecturer teaching the aviation management diploma program at Republic Polytechnic in Singapore, agrees, referencing the 2016 ban on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

In October 2016, multiple airlines — including SIA and all United States carriers — prohibited the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from being brought on board, either in carry-on or checked-in baggage. The phone had been deemed a fire hazard following multiple reports of overheating, burns and other injuries.

Noncompliant passengers in the US faced fines or criminal prosecution, while SIA denied boarding to those carrying the device.

Sim says national and international civil aviation authorities need to rally behind airlines so they can be empowered to enforce stricter consequences.

He adds: "Asian airlines tend to be more 'polite' or service-oriented, and usually aim to create a positive travel experience for their passengers. So, I suspect they will not be too harsh in enforcing the consequences of using power banks in-flight until national or international aviation authorities step in with regulations."

Since 2016, International Air Transport Association regulations have required lithium-ion batteries to be carried in the cabin, instead of the cargo hold.

Under the current rules, power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours are permitted in the cabin. Those between 100Wh and 160Wh require approval, and those above 160Wh are not allowed on board.