Air New Zealand has opened up to passengers the opportunity to send text messages and emails whilst in-flight, with the opportunity to be given to Air New Zealand passengers by the end of the year.

The allowance is subject to approval by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority, as it is normally held to pose too great a risk to an airplane navigation system if used in-flight.  Passengers would be able to use their own mobile broadband connection, but in-flight charges would also apply.

To those of us who enjoy uninterrupted quiet (or as much quiet as there can be over the howls of a crying baby) during flights, rest assured that voice calls are still not on the list of “allowable” use of portable electronics.

The full article is available here.