Air New Zealand passengers will be able to use their handheld portable electronic devices in flight mode for the entire duration of their journey following approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.
From July 16 the airline will allow the use of tablets, smartphones, e-readers and mp3 players during all phases of flight provided the devices are in non-transmitting flight mode. Previously passengers could not use their devices during the taxi, take-off and landing phases of flight.
This will be available to customers travelling on domestic and international services operated by Airbus A320 and Boeing 787-9, 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft initially with plans to include the airline's regional turbo prop and Boeing 767-300 fleets after regulatory approval.
Air New Zealand's general manager customer experience Carrie Hurihanganui said the change would give passengers further freedom to use their handheld devices to take photos, listen to music or watch pre-loaded movies gate to gate.
Last year the United States Federal Aviation Administration published guidance allowing for the expanded use of portable electronic devices following analysis by experts from airlines, aircraft manufacturers, pilots associations, cabin crew and mobile technology manufacturers, Air New Zealand said.
