iscover
Virgin may change its policy on lithium batteries as it launches an investigation into a fire onboard a 737-800 on Monday.
Flight VA1528 from Sydney landed safely in Hobart aboard VH-YFY after the fire broke out in an overhead locker on descent, with the cause believed to be a portable power bank in a passenger’s bag. The airline says it is reviewing the carriage and use of power banks on board.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
“The fire was extinguished by Virgin Australia cabin crew prior to landing. Airservices Australia firefighters attended the aircraft once it landed and removed a bag from the overhead locker. All guests disembarked the aircraft, as per standard operating procedures,” a Virgin spokesperson said.
“Safety is always our highest priority. We appreciate the swift and professional response of our flight and cabin crew, as well as the support of Airservices Australia firefighters.”
According to Matt Cocker, COO of Hobart Airport, one passenger was subsequently attended to by paramedics for suspected smoke inhalation.
“The outbound Virgin flight back to Sydney was delayed, however all other operations at Hobart Airport continued running as usual,” he said.
Virgin Australia mandates that any power banks be carried in hand luggage as opposed to checked baggage, and is asking passengers to always keep them within sight and easily accessible during the flight. It also encourages passengers not to charge devices using power banks while on board.
“[Our] investigation, conducted with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is ongoing,” the Virgin spokesperson said.
“Any relevant findings from this investigation may inform permanent changes to our battery policy to ensure the safety of our guests and team members.”
Airlines have been banning the use and charging of lithium-ion power banks on board flights following a string of fires, including on a January Air Busan flight in South Korea, which caused minor injuries and destroyed an A321 at Gimhae International Airport.
Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Thai Airways, South Korean Airlines, EVA Air, and China Airlines are among the carriers that have implemented bans on in-flight power bank use, while the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations require power banks to be carried in cabin baggage rather than the hold of the plane.
Many newer aircraft, such as Virgin’s 737 MAX 8, Jetstar’s A320/21neo, QantasLink’s A220s and Qantas’ A321XLR planes, feature in-seat charging ports for phones and other devices.
