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 Air NZ flights would now need to be kept 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, we’ve chosen to make these changes before 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.”
- RNZ
