Passenger aircraft battery fires remain a threat, despite efforts by operators and regulators. No airline would probably survive long, if it banned laptops and phones on flights. We investigate trends, and discover the frequency of battery thermal incidents is increasing. Is this something we have to learn to live with?
ULSE Confirms Increase in Aircraft Battery Fires
UL Standards and Engagement private enterprise (ULSE) is part of a global private company network in Northbrook, Illinois. ULSE reports that thermal runaway aircraft battery fires on passenger aircraft are at their highest level since 2019. And we hear reports of an average two incidents a week.
Nonetheless, as Battery Tech Online reports, individual personal risk in North America is low. Around 180,000 flights cross U.S. airspace every week, and no affected aircraft has crashed. So is this just another statistic?
Modern society is increasingly gadget driven. We have heard that the average aircraft passenger carries four rechargeable devices onboard. If we travel by air, then the passenger next to us is very likely to have a smartphone. Plus perhaps also a laptop, wireless headphones, and a tablet in their carry-on bag.
Rechargeable Devices Present Risks Requiring Management
“Rechargeable devices, especially those stored in passengers’ personal spaces on flights, present risks that must be managed,” a ULSE spokesperson told Battery Tech Online.“
“Our research highlights several trouble spots that need to be addressed,” they continued. “From passengers missing warnings about lithium-ion batteries, to packing rechargeable devices out of reach.”
Reading other reports, we learn that aircraft battery fires are over 80% likely to occur during flights. Moreover, more than half of these occur on or near passenger seats. Does this mean that passengers are using their devices when they catch fire?
Fortunately, airline staff are able to control over two-thirds of these incidents. However, more than 10% of them unfortunately become active fires. These frequencies should be lower if passengers use quality batteries in good condition, and do not misuse them while onboard.
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Passenger Aircraft Battery Fire Precautions
