This follows an order from the U
S Department of Transportation issued on October 11 which gave airlines flying within its jurisdiction four days to ban the phones from planes because they posed a fire hazard.
“Passengers who try to evade the ban by packing the phone in their checked luggage may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines. Packing the phones in checked luggage increases the risk of a catastrophic incident‚” the department said.
Today, South Africa followed suit, in that troubled South African Airways also imposed the ban.
“The Galaxy Note 7 device is prohibited completely and may not be carried by travellers on their persons‚ in carry-on baggage‚ in checked in baggage or as cargo‚” SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said in a statement on Tuesday.
Lithium batteries that have been recalled by the manufacturer for safety reasons must not be shipped by air. The Galaxy Note 7 is powered by lithium batteries and has since been recalled by the manufacturer‚ Iata said.
Award winning Emirates Airlines also issued a statement.
“As advised by various aviation regulatory bodies, Emirates can confirm that all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are prohibited from all Emirates’ flights, including being brought on board in person, as well as in carry-on or checked-in baggage, with immediate effect.
Emirates apologises for the inconvenience caused, however the safety of our customers and crew is of utmost priority.”
Independent analyst believe the move would cost billions to the company and could result in job losses.
“This is a worldwide catastrophe for Samsung. There’s no way out of this. They just have to go back to the drawing board and work hard to win back the public’s trust,” commented an analyst with top company, whose identity has been withheld.
Attempts to solicit comments from Samsung SA director of communication Dr Michelle Potgieter and PR Epic MSL Group did not materialize.
