Air Canada to Allow Expanded Use of PEDs

Air Canada has welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government of Canada permitting the expanded use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) by travelers aboard aircraft during all phases of flight.

Air Canada, Air Canada rouge and its Air Canada Express regional partners are finalizing measures to safely implement the new procedures so passengers can enjoy greater use of their PEDs in non-transmitting mode while on the airlines' flights.

"Air Canada welcomes today's announcement expanding the use of PEDs on aircraft because it will enhance the travel experience. Our customers have been telling us they want the option to use their PEDs at all times on board our aircraft both for working and entertainment. Moreover, this change will bring our policies in line with those of other jurisdictions for use of PEDs on aircraft, eliminating uncertainty for customers. We appreciate Transport Canada's support of our efforts to implement these new rules safely and quickly," said Craig Landry, Vice President of Marketing at Air Canada.

PEDs include such devices as cellular telephones, electronic document readers, tablet computers and MP3 players. The changes do not permit the use of transmitting functions once the aircraft is in motion prior to take-off, meaning customers aboard aircraft will not be able to make cellular phone calls or otherwise send and receive wireless signals from outside the aircraft. Current safety restrictions on customers using headphones or earbuds not connected to the aircraft's inflight Entertainment system will also remain in effect.

Air Canada started rolling out inflight Wi-Fi connectivity across its North American fleet this month. 29 aircraft are expected to offer inflight connectivity by year end, with 130 narrow-body aircraft to be equipped to provide connectivity by the end of 2015.