1279shp
2nd Aug 2005, 04:42
Qantas Airways has extended its policy on the use of mobile phones to all of its international services, including New Zealand domestic operations and Australian Airlines services.
The policy, which was introduced for Australian domestic services in June, allows mobile phones to be used once an aircraft has landed and vacated the runway. An announcement by cabin crew after landing will inform customers when they are allowed to use their mobile phones.
Qantas Executive General Manager, John Borghetti said Qantas was pleased to be able to extend the policy to its international services.
We have had positive feedback from our Australian domestic customers in particular business travellers, who have welcomed the ability to access messages and use their phones for calls at an earlier stage of arrival, Mr Borghetti said.
Under the new policy, flight mode capable mobile phones and personal digital assistances like Blackberrys and Palm Pilots will now be able to be used after the seat belt sign has been turned off after take-off until the aircraft begins its descent, however the flight mode must be activated before turning off the device.
Mr Borghetti said customers could continue to use mobile phones on aerobridges on both departure and arrival.
It is important to note, however, that most electronic equipment must still remain switched off during both take-off and landing, he said.
Electronic equipment including laptops, personal music and electronic games devices can be used when the seat belt sign is extinguished after take off and until the top of descent.
Qantas has said the new arrangements meet the standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia and New Zealand 's Civil Aviation Authority.
The policy, which was introduced for Australian domestic services in June, allows mobile phones to be used once an aircraft has landed and vacated the runway. An announcement by cabin crew after landing will inform customers when they are allowed to use their mobile phones.
Qantas Executive General Manager, John Borghetti said Qantas was pleased to be able to extend the policy to its international services.
We have had positive feedback from our Australian domestic customers in particular business travellers, who have welcomed the ability to access messages and use their phones for calls at an earlier stage of arrival, Mr Borghetti said.
Under the new policy, flight mode capable mobile phones and personal digital assistances like Blackberrys and Palm Pilots will now be able to be used after the seat belt sign has been turned off after take-off until the aircraft begins its descent, however the flight mode must be activated before turning off the device.
Mr Borghetti said customers could continue to use mobile phones on aerobridges on both departure and arrival.
It is important to note, however, that most electronic equipment must still remain switched off during both take-off and landing, he said.
Electronic equipment including laptops, personal music and electronic games devices can be used when the seat belt sign is extinguished after take off and until the top of descent.
Qantas has said the new arrangements meet the standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia and New Zealand 's Civil Aviation Authority.