Kiwis on regional Air New Zealand services will soon be able to keep their electronic devices on for the duration of their journey following approval by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.
From November 4 the airline will allow customers travelling on regional services to use hand-held devices such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers and MP3 players during all phases of flight provided the devices are switched to flight mode.
Previously customers on regional flights were not permitted to use their devices during the taxi, take-off and landing phases of flight.
Customers will also be able to keep their portable electronic devices and cell phones powered on - but not in use - while crossing the airport tarmac. Previously customers have been required to power off all electronic devices prior to accessing the tarmac.
Air New Zealand’s General Manager Customer Experience Carrie Hurihanganui says the airline is steadfastly focused on using technology to ensure that the customer journey is seamless from start to finish.
“Last year Air New Zealand became one of the first airlines in the Asia Pacific region to allow customers travelling on jet services to use their personal electronic devices during all phases of flight,” Hurihanganui says.
“We’re very excited to be expanding this to our turboprop fleets and giving customers travelling on regional services more freedom to use their electronic devices right throughout their journey from home through to arrival at their destination.”
At present, customers travelling on Air New Zealand domestic and international services operated by Airbus A320 and Boeing 787-9, 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft are already able to use handheld portable electronic devices including smartphones, tablets and e-readers during all phases of flight provided the devices are switched to flight or airplane mode.
From November 4 however, customers travelling on the airline’s regional turboprop fleet (ATR72-500 and 600, Q300 and Beech 1900D aircraft) will enjoy the same flexibility.
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