Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) said it is restricting the use of all models of 15-inch Macbook Pro on board all its flights with immediate effect.

This was due to Apple’s announcement on the battery for some older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units may overheat and pose a fire safety risk, resulting in a battery recall for affected devices.

The device may be permitted for use in-flight if guests provide proof of verification that the device is not an affected model of the Macbook Pro Battery Recall Programme through a purchase receipt outside the period of affected models, proof of replacement batteries or a screenshot from Apple’s dedicated support site showing the laptop is not under the affected serial number range.

Affected models were sold between September 2015 and February 2017. Guests with a 15-inch Macbook Pro laptop that do not have a proof of verification can only carry the device as cabin baggage (hand-carry).

The device must be turned off, protected from accidental activation (disabling any features that may turn it on) and charging the laptop in-flight is prohibited.

Guests are also advised to inform cabin crew immediately if their device is damaged, hot, produces smoke, is lost or falls into the seat structure. RB guests on connecting flights are reminded to check their interline and airlines’ regulations on the carriage of affected Macbook Pro laptops on other airlines.

This safety notice will remain in force unless revoked or suspended by the Director of Civil Aviation.