The invention relates to an emergency oxygen supply device for aircraft inhabitants, comprising a container, wherein an oxygen mask is positioned inside said container, a releasable cover and a latch mechanism comprising a latch locking said cover lid. According to the invention said latch mechanism comprises a permanent magnet interacting with a magnetisable element an exerting a magnetic holding force onto said magnetisable element to hold said latch in a locking position, wherein a solenoid is positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet, said solenoid being connected to a control unit said control unit being adapted to receive an opening signal and to provide a current flowing through said solenoid in response to such opening signal, wherein said solenoid is arranged and dimensioned such that the current flowing through said solenoid reduces said magnetic holding force to such a level that the latch is released in a n unlocking position.