After the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) issued a directive on the matter, Caribbean Airlines enforced a ban on using the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone on all of its flights. The ban went into effect immediately and also applies to in-flight battery charging of the device’ Additionally, the airline has prohibited storing the device in checked baggage. The Galaxy Note 7 may be included in the carry-on baggage of passengers or on their persons, but they cannot be used or charged on-board during any flight. Samsung had been forced to stop the sales of its new smartphone following “dozens” of incidents in which the handset exploded. In response to these incidents, the United States Federal Aviation Administration issued a strong advisory that passengers not turn on or charge the devices while on board an aircraft and not to store them in checked baggage. The European Air Safety Agency also issued a similar advisory, which also contained a warning “of the need to inform the cabin crew when a device is damaged, hot, produces smoke, is lost, or falls into the seat structure.” Airlines around the word have now imposed restrictions on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 as well.
Samsung released a new statement on its exploding Galaxy Note 7 phones
Samsung Urges Galaxy Note 7 Users to Immediately Participate in The Replacement Program
Just over a week ago, Samsung Electronics announced a global replacement program for the Galaxy Note 7 as a precautionary measure due to a battery cell issue. Since then, we have been working hard to expedite product shipments in order to fulfill that exchange program and reduce any inconvenience for our customers. During the past week, we understand that there are concerns from our customers and we wish to emphasize the importance of exchanging the product.
“Our number one priority is the safety of our customers. We are asking users to power down their Galaxy Note7s and exchange them as soon as possible,” says DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “We are expediting replacement devices so that they can be provided through the exchange program as conveniently as possible and in compliance with related regulations. We sincerely thank our customers for their understanding and patience.”
Although there have been only a small number of reported incidents, Samsung is taking great care to provide customers with necessary support. Samsung has identified the affected inventory and stopped sales and shipments of those devices. We are also collaborating with national regulatory bodies.
Customers who have Galaxy Note7 devices can replace their current device with a new device based on local availability. We encourage Galaxy Note7 customers to contact their place of purchase or call the designated call center locally as soon as possible.
