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Air New Zealand passengers will be able to use their handheld portable electronic devices in non-transmitting mode for the entire duration of their flights from July 16 after approval was granted by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.
The airline says it will allow the use of tablets, smartphones, e-readers and mp3 players during all phases of flight, provided the devices remain in flight mode. Previously all these devices had to be switched off during taxi, take-off and landing.
The option will initially be available on domestic and international services operated by Airbus A320, Boeing 787-9, 777-200ER and 777-300ER aircraft, while the airline plans to expand to its Boeing 767-300ER and regional turboprop fleets at a later date.
“We are living in a digital age where the majority of our customers use electronic devices while travelling,” Air New Zealand’s General Manager Customer Experience Carrie Hurihanganui said in a statement. “Today’s announcement will give customers further freedom to use their handheld devices to take photos, listen to music or watch pre-loaded movies gate to gate.
“Air New Zealand prides itself on being a leader in innovation and technology and continues to actively explore what can be done to make the travel experience easier and more enjoyable for our customers.”
Basil
says:Common sense finally prevails. Let’s hope it catches on quickly ..
John
says:Indeed abouttime,pilots have been using their or company mobile phones inflight and on the ground during refuelling for years!
David
says:Maybe someone can enlighten me on some aspects here – does this mean that you will be able to make/receive calls during the flight. The prospect of having loud mouth people sitting near you making incessant calls on flights does not have any appeal to me and would be a big put off from flying.
australianaviation.com.au
says:David
The story says the devices must stay in Flight mode, which means the device cannot transmit or receive and thus, the user won’t be able to make or receive calls.
Cheers
Andrew
David
says:Thanks for clarifying that point.
Aaron
says:how long till Australia catches up???
Michael
says:As much as I applaud this decision, I can’t help but imagine someone continuing their call during taxi/takeoff, or checking facebook/internet on their phones. Although I am sure this behaviour will currently exist, the requirements to put away your phone prior to taxi was a good deterrent.
John Harrison
says:Well Done to Air New Zealand for bring this to the fore and allowing people to use their “Devices” I like other’s
only prey they never let people use their mobile phones during flights (to call and receive !)
Not that I’ve got “A Device” that I could use in flight.