Significant: Why experts back a new ban on Qantas, Virgin flights
An aviation industry veteran has backed a crackdown on portable power banks to reduce the risk of mid-air disasters. Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar and Virgin Australia will ban the use of backup battery packs on flights in December.
Key points
- Passengers will be restricted to carrying two power banks in their carry-on, with each not allowed to exceed 160 watt hours.
- Power banks must be stowed close by during flight.
- These devices have caused several fires recently, including on a Virgin flight in July and a packed Air China flight in October.
- There was also an incident where passengers evacuated an Air Busan plane in January due to a fire sparked in an overhead locker.
“Part of annual training for pilots and cabin crew is being aware of how to deal with onboard fires,” Natasha Heap, a former pilot and emergency procedures instructor, said. Heap is an aviation lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland.
Natasha Heap welcomed the strengthened battery safety measures and noted that the airline alignment helps maintain consistent passenger expectations.
“Part of annual training for pilots and cabin crew is being aware of how to deal with onboard fires,” Heap told 7NEWS.com.au.
Note: This summary preserves the quoted statements and reported facts as presented in the source text.
Авторское резюме (120–200 символов): Международные авиакомпании ужесточают правила перевозки портативных аккумуляторов, чтобы снизить риск возгораний в полете, поддерживая единый стандарт безопасности и ожидания пассажиров.
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