Latest news with #aviationregulations
New York Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
China Bans Some Portable Batteries From Flights as Safety Concerns Grow
Travelers in China have been caught off guard in recent days when they arrived at airports to be told they could not bring certain portable batteries aboard their flights. The country's aviation regulator has implemented an emergency ban on some portable batteries aboard flights. The ban, which went into effect Saturday after just two days' notice, came as the regulator warned of growing risks to the aviation industry from batteries, millions of which have been recently recalled. Airlines and governments around the world have tightened regulations on the use of portable batteries on flights this year. But while other airlines have largely issued guidelines on the in-flight use and storage of portable batteries, China's order prohibits passengers from taking some batteries on board planes altogether. The change has caused confusion and consternation among travelers, with some complaining that they had been forced to discard their portable batteries, an increasingly common accessory in modern life, while traveling. The notice of the ban, issued by China's Civil Aviation Administration on Thursday, stated that portable batteries that were not clearly marked as having a Chinese safety certification would not be allowed on flights. Batteries that had been recalled were also prohibited. The aviation authority said the batteries posed a safety risk, citing recent recalls of the devices by manufacturers and episodes of portable batteries catching fire on board planes. China's market regulator has also suspended or revoked the certifications of a number of portable battery and battery cell manufacturers, the aviation authority said. These factors 'demonstrate that portable batteries carried by travelers contain hidden safety and quality dangers, and the risks they pose to the safe operation of civil aviation continues to grow,' the notice said. In past weeks, two major Chinese battery companies have recalled millions of power banks in China and the United States, citing problems with lithium-ion battery cells made by suppliers. In June, Anker, one of the world's largest manufacturers of the batteries, issued a recall for more than one million power banks sold in the United States because it said the lithium-ion battery inside could pose a fire risk. Later that month, the company recalled seven models in China, totaling about 700,000 batteries, according to local news media. Anker then issued a global voluntary recall for another five models, saying that it had identified a potential issue with lithium-ion battery cells provided by a vendor, which it did not name. Romoss, another Chinese battery maker, in June recalled three models of batteries, totaling nearly 500,000 products, because of an issue with their supplier-provided battery cells.
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Winding up of aviation firm puts aircraft owners in a dilemma
Owners of aircraft serviced by Systematic Aviation Services Sdn Bhd pay thousands of ringgit every two weeks for maintenance despite being unable to use their aircraft. PETALING JAYA : Owners of aircraft maintained by Systematic Aviation Services Sdn Bhd (SAS), which has now been wound up by the High Court, are in a dilemma as they may not be able to use them for at least a year. A source said with SAS's licences as an Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) and Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) revoked, the owners must wait for approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to transfer their aircraft to another AMO. He told FMT that the procedure may take too long as aviation regulations pertaining to 'freeing' the aircraft from SAS are tight, adding that the delay may take longer if this was a new experience for the national air regulator. 'The process normally may take about six months to a year. But it could be even longer if the aircraft's maintenance records are not up to date,' he said, adding that there could be more than five aircraft facing this problem. In the meantime, the source said the owners have to carry out some form of maintenance every two weeks to make sure the aircraft are serviceable and their parts function well. 'The owners have to spend a few thousand ringgit each time they do this. They have to hire a pilot and aircraft engineers and pay for the aviation fuel whilst not being able to use the aircraft. 'A new organisation cannot simply take over the maintenance due to strict formalities to be followed,' the source said. The source said CAAM should engage aircraft owners immediately to resolve the impasse. 'The aviation regulator has the power to come up with fresh authorisations and exceptions to allow the owners to start operating their aircraft again,' he added. In March, the Shah Alam High Court allowed a winding-up petition against the charter airline company by an Australian creditor Asia Pacific Aerospace Pty Ltd. Judicial commissioner Raja Rozela Raja Toran ordered SAS to be wound up in accordance with Section 465 (1)(e) and (h) of the Companies Act 2016. The section allows for a company's winding up if it is unable to settle its debt or if the court deems it just and equitable to do so. It is understood that the winding up affairs of the company are presently handled by the Selangor insolvency department. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for workers who have lost their jobs hopes the liquidation process will be sped up so that they receive all the monies owed to them as they are struggling to make ends meet. 'Many have had their cars repossessed while a few are also facing the prospects of their houses being auctioned after defaulting on their monthly instalments. 'The non-settlement of EPF deductions by the company amounts to at least RM10 million. Can you imagine the compounded dividends we would have lost?' he said. FMT has reached out to CAAM for comment.
