02-07-2025
Airlines warned about rising threat of 'nightmare scenario'
Airlines are being warned about a rising threat in the skies.
Hampshire-based companies Barnbrook Systems and Flair are in talks with major international carriers about E:BAG, a new product designed to contain and suppress fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in passenger devices such as phones, vapes and power banks.
Andrew Barnett, managing director of Barnbrook Systems, said: "A fire at 35,000 feet which won't go out is a nightmare scenario.
"There has been an increasing number of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries whether in the home, in public, business settings or on transport.
An E:BAG being used to contain and supress a mobile phone fire started by its lithium-ion battery (Image: Deep South Media) "As the summer getaway gets in full swing, there will be fuller flights with greater potential for fires from devices with lithium-ion batteries.
"We have been in talks with major international carriers about the issue and how E:BAG can support their risk management and safety protocols.
"It allows cabin crew to act quickly, easily and safely to deal with suspect and burning devices while providing peace of mind for passengers and crew alike."
Barnbrook Systems managing director Andrew Barnett (Image: Deep South Media) The E:BAG is a fire-resistant satchel made from smart material and nano-technology.
It requires no water or fire extinguishers and contains a heat-sensitive powder that activates when a burning device is placed inside, suppressing and extinguishing the fire.
The bags come in 15L, 30L and 45L sizes to accommodate different devices and can be equipped with Barnbrook's BlueCube remote sensing technology.
The need for such technology is growing as lithium-ion battery fires become more common.
In early June, a China Southern Airlines flight was forced to return to the airport after take-off when a power bank exploded.
In January, a similar device caused a fire that destroyed an Air Busan passenger plane in South Korea.
More information about E:BAG is available at
The UK Civil Aviation Authority reported that 276 million passengers passed through UK airports in 2023, a 23 per cent increase on 2022.
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) recorded 210,085 flights in April 2025, up 4.2 per cent from the previous year.
Barnbrook Systems is based in Fareham, while Flair operates out of the same location and has its headquarters in Reading.
