03/09/2019
THAI asks for customer co-operation to check 15in MacBook Pro Laptops before bringing them on board.
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) has evaluated the hazard and risk of lithium battery and makes amendments to the regulation regarding the transport by air of lithium batteries or lithium battery powered portable electronic devices.
Flight Lieutenant Pratana Patanasiri, THAI Vice President, Aviation Safety, Security and Standards, said that according to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) announcement that aircraft operators from EASA member states and foreign operators flying into, within or out of Europe, are obliged to implement its Safety Information Bulletin SIB 2017-01: Safety precautions regarding the transport by air of recalled lithium battery powered portable electronic devices. THAI is obliged to ask passengers to check whether the 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops in their possession are the ones distributed by Apple Inc. between September 2015 and February 2017, before bringing them onto THAI aircraft in carry-on bags or in checked baggage.
These devices were recalled by Apple Inc. as batteries in some of them may overheat and pose a fire safety risk unless they are fixed or batteries are replaced as advised by the manufacturer.
Passengers can check the product serial numbers of the products in question at https://support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall. At the present time THAI does not have additional screening measures for the affected MacBook Pro laptops in question.
However, should any passengers have the need to bring these models of MacBook Pro laptops onto a THAI aircraft, they are required to be brought on board in carry-on baggage and THAI asks their owners to refrain from using or charging the laptops during flight.
To avoid any dangerous situations or fire risks, passengers are advised to check if their electronic devices are broken or emit heat or smoke. Should the electronic devices fall between aircraft seats, passengers are reminded to contact flight attendants for assistance.
For further information, passengers should visit thaiairways.com or contact THAI in Australia on 1300 651 960 or the Bangkok Contact Center at Tel. +662-356-1111 (24-hours a day).
