A pilot with an AvSax
Lithium batteries are “volatile” and can even explode which is why airline companies now carry specialist fire containment bags such as the pioneering AvSax.
Online publication The Economist has revealed more about the new safety message that cabin crews are now giving.
In its feature The Economist states: “If you’re a frequent flyer you probably know the drill: “Please ensure that you do not carry any power banks or batteries in your check-in luggage. All permissible batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only”. But have you wondered why?
“The reason is simple – in case there is an issue with a battery pack on board, the airline staff is well equipped to deal with it and contain a faulty battery. That’s why all airlines now carry electronic fire containment bags.”
The problem is that while an increasing number of airlines are now carrying fire containment bags, many thousands are still to follow suit.
AvSax is the market leader by far. AvSax are now on more than 15,373 aircraft operated by 75 airline companies across the world – including some of the biggest and best-known.
AvSax – which won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2018 - has been used 31 times to deal with emergencies since the start of 2017. Deployment is so effective that extremely expensive diversions to alternate airports are avoided.
The Economist adds: “Batteries, especially the lithium ion batteries that are so common in devices today, can be really volatile. A quick search of exploding batteries on YouTube will easily scare you into thinking that you’re carrying a miniature explosive device in your pocket.
“By and large batteries are safe – but that’s if they are properly manufactured, with set standards, without defects and are not subjected to high stress (incorrect voltage, high heat or physical stress, like bending or puncturing).
“If a battery is compromised it can swell up, leak, catch fire or even explode. Risks to you range from mild chemical burns to explosive damage. In the confines of an airplane cabin, these risks are magnified a thousand times over.”
For more on The Economist’s story please go to https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/heres-why-macbook-pro-is-not-allowed-in-planes-find-out-if-your-laptop-is-faulty-too/articleshow/70852269.cms
