Air New Zealand is extending the in-flight use of portable electronic devices to regional flights after getting the green light from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.
From November 4, Air NZ passengers can use hand-held devices continuously such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers and MP3 players, as long as flight mode is switched on.
Previously all devices were required to be turned off during taxi, take-off and landing.
"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," said Air NZ’s general manager of customer experience Carrie Hurihanganu.
Air NZ’s turboprop regional fleet consists of ATR72-500 and 600, Q300 and Beech 1900D aircraft.
