Some MacBook Pro laptops banned

Batteries pose fire risk

WASHINGTON, Aug 14, (RTRS): US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned certain models of Apple Inc’s MacBook Pro laptops on flights, after the company recalled select units which had batteries posing fire risks.

“The FAA is aware of the recalled batteries that are used in some Apple MacBook Pro laptops,” the agency’s spokesman said in an emailed statement on Monday, adding that the agency has “alerted airlines about the recall.”

Apple said in June it would recall a limited number of 15-inch MacBook Pro units as their batteries were susceptible to overheating. The units were sold between September 2015 and February 2017.

Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters’ request for comment.

To see if their laptops are affected, MacBook Pro owners can visit Apple’s recall program page and enter their serial number. The serial number can be found by clicking the small Apple logo in the upper-left corner of the menu bar, and clicking “About This Mac.”

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency advised that the MacBook models should be switched off and not used during flights. It was not clear whether the agency would follow its US counterpart, although the agencies often align surrounding safety notices.