Air New Zealand has extended the use of electronic devices throughout flights to regional services following approval by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Customers travelling on regional flights will be able to use hand-held devices switched to flight-mode, such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers and MP3 players, during all phases of flight from November 4.
Previously customers on regional flights were not permitted to use their devices during the taxi, take-off and landing phases of flight.
Cell phones and other devices will no longer have to be powered off while passengers are crossing the tarmac.
Carrie Hurihanganui, Air New Zealand's general manager customer experience, said the airline was 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.
"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."
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 4 November, customers travelling on the airline's regional turboprop fleet (ATR72-500 and 600, Q300 and Beech 1900D aircraft) will enjoy the same flexibility.
