Qantas Extends use of Mobile Phones on Board Aircraft

Travellers desperate to turn on their mobile telephones as soon as they land, will be happy to learn that Qantas customers will soon be able to use their mobile phones on an Australian domestic flight after it lands under the airline's new policy for mobile phones and other portable electronic devices, that come into effect 7 June 2005.

Qantas Executive General Manager John Borghetti said the new policy for mobile phones would apply once an aircraft had landed and vacated the runway.

"The Cabin Crew will make an announcement soon after landing to inform customers when they can use their mobile phones," he said.

Mr Borghetti said 'flight mode' capable mobile phones and personal digital assistants (such as Blackberrys and Palm Pilots) would also now be able to be used from the time the seat belt sign had been extinguished after take-off until the aircraft began its descent. The new policy requires the 'flight mode' to be activated prior to turning the device off.

"This is another enhancement we are pleased to introduce for customers, particularly our business travellers," Mr Borghetti said.

He said customers could continue to use a mobile phone on aerobridge departures and arrivals. It was important to note, however, that most electronic equipment must still remain switched off during both take off and landing.

Portable electronic equipment such as laptop computers, personal music and electronic games devices may be used when the aircraft seat belt sign is extinguished after take-off and until the top of descent.

The new arrangements, which have been approved by CASA, apply to aircraft arriving at domestic aerobridge locations only. The policy change is planned to be expanded to Qantas international flights, QantasLink, Jetstar and Australian Airlines at a later stage.

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