Three airlines have banned passengers from using or charging Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Note 7 smartphones during flights due to concerns over the phone’s fire-prone batteries.
Advertisement
“Samsung is taking a proactive approach to address customer needs around the Galaxy Note 7”, said Ismail Yoon, the president of Samsung Gulf Electronics.
Qantas, its budget unit Jetstar and Virgin Australia said they had not been directed to ban the use of the phone by aviation authorities, but did so as a precaution following Samsung’s recall of the phones in 10 markets.
Samsung, the world’s largest smartphone maker, said last week it was suspending sales of its latest flagship mobile device and recalling 2.5 million units shipped globally following reports of exploding “phablets” that dealt a heavy blow to the firm’s reputation. In one recent incident that made headlines, a Galaxy Note 7 caught fire in a hotel room, causing $1,400 in damage in burned bed sheets, charred carpet, and other things that needed replaced.
Samsung has recalled the handset, but hasn’t initiated “official” recall procedures in the USA, which would involve the Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Courtesy devices will become available from [September 7]”. In Australia, that is equating to the recall of 51,060 devices, according to a release from Samsung overnight. Customers were advised to power off their Samsung Note 7 devices, return to its original packaging and turn over the device to its place of purchase.
“In response to recently reported cases of the new Galaxy Note 7, we conducted a thorough investigation and found a battery cell issue”, the company said in a statement.
Advertisement
“The safety and ongoing satisfaction of our customers is our top priority”, Fink added.
