Air New Zealand Gets Green Light for In-flight Device Use

Passengers on Air New Zealand's regional routes will soon be able to keep electronic devices switched on throughout their flight.

The airline says from November 4, passengers on its regional turboprop fleet (ATR72-500 and 600, Q300 and Beech 1900D aircraft) will be able to keep their electronic devices on for the duration of their journey.

The decision comes after approval by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority and applies to hand-held devices such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers and MP3 players, provided the devices are switched to flight mode.

Previously travellers on regional flights were not permitted to use their devices during the taxi, take-off and landing phases of flight.

Passengers would also be able to keep their devices powered on -- but not in use -- while crossing the airport tarmac. Previously passengers were asked to power off all electronic devices prior to accessing the tarmac.

Air New Zealand spokesperson Carrie Hurihanganui said the airline understood that access to technology enhanced customer experience.

"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.

"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," she said.

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 electronic devices in a similar manner.