AAPA seeks more cautious approach to cabin ban on larger PEDs

With the U.S. and E.U. due to hold further talks this week on aviation security, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) is urging caution against the extension of the current U.S. ban on personal electronic devices (PEDs) larger than a smartphone being allowed in aircraft cabins.
At present the ban extends to U.S.-bound flights from ten Middle East and North Africa countries, but an extension would include all flights of European origin. AAPA, which represents 16 Asia-Pacific carriers, has been complaining about the short notice of the original U.S. ban and distinct lack of consultation with the airline industry, and is suggesting a cautionary approach be taken to what it calls “ill-judged reactionary measures.”
One of the major concerns is that there is a greater perceived safety risk to planes with an increase in the number of lithium batteries stored in the cargo hold than there is from a ‘laptop bomb’. According to AAPA, “safety issues relating to large numbers of lithium battery powered PEDs being stowed in an aircraft cargo bay, contrary to recognised best safety practices, remain unresolved.” Lithium batteries are recognised as a perceived fire risk due to several cases of overheating.
In his statement, which was clearly designed at encouraging a cautious approach to flight safety, AAPA Director General Andrew Herdman said that the: “AAPA understands the need to maintain the highest levels of security in air transportation … Despite recent events, public confidence in the safety and security of air travel remains high. It would be a tragedy if that confidence were to be undermined by ill-judged reactionary measures being misguidedly imposed by those entrusted with maintaining public safety.”
Herdman added that: “Aviation security is a collective global responsibility and requires effective consultation to ensure that security measures are practical, cost effective and sustainable whilst minimising the impact on the wider travelling public. We urge governments, in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to work together more closely with industry, and strengthen multilateral cooperation in further developing aviation security measures.”