Garuda Indonesia
has requested Samsung Note7 users not to operate the device on its
flights in accordance with the announcement made by the Federal Aviation
Administration* (FAA) about the Note 7. According to Samsung,
affected Note7 batteries can overheat and pose a safety risk. Samsung
Galaxy Note7 owners are asked to stop using their devices immediately.
Said
VP Corporate Communications Garuda Indonesia Benny ButarButar: "Garuda
Indonesia expressly indeed urges all passengers not to operate the phone
during the flight. Related to the announcement of FAA about the Samsung
Galaxy Note7, Garuda Indonesia urged passengers not to operate - even
in airplane mode - charge / recharge the batteries, the device also must
not be kept in any checked baggage as well," he said.
Benny
added that Garuda Indonesia has added signage to this effect at
check-in counters at airports and informed all counter staff to make
sure passengers are aware of this concern.
Garuda Indonesia will evaluate the request after further announcements from the FAA.
Emirates
has also banned the use of Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. A statement on
its website mirrors the FAA announcement: "In light of recent incidents
and concerns raised by Samsung about its
Galaxy Note 7 devices, passengers are advised not to turn on or charge
these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked
baggage."
A similar statement was broadcast by Oman Air on its Facebook page.
*The FAA's statement released on September 8, 2016 said: "In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its
Galaxy Note7 devices, the Federal Aviation Administration strongly
advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board
aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage."
