QantasLink has become the first major regional airline in Australia to allow customers to use their personal electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets and music players in flight mode for the duration of the flight.

Previously customers had to turn their phone off during take-off and landing, however this week the Civil Aviation Safety Authority gave the go ahead for QantasLink’s policy change following new guidance on the safe use of personal electronic devices inflight.

QantasLink aircraft have undergone rigorous testing to assess the impacts of electronic devices on the safe operation of aircraft as part of this process.

QantasLink Chief Executive Officer John Gissing said the change is great news for QantasLink customers.

“This is great news for regional customers. Whether they want to catch up on emails, listen to music or watch a movie on their tablet, our customers can now maximise their time in the air – even on our shortest flights,” Mr Gissing said.

“We are continually looking at ways to improve the experience for our customers and this is just another example of us leading the way in the regional aviation market.”

The new policy is already in place on Qantas Domestic and Qantas international flights.

Advice for customers:

• Devices can be used when passengers are boarding via aerobridge but not transiting across the tarmac.
• Once aircraft doors are closed for departure, devices will need to be in ‘flight mode’.
• Customers are required to secure handheld devices by holding them or placing them in a seat pocket during taxi, take-off and landing. Larger items such as laptops will still need to be stowed.
• Customers are still required to listen to inflight safety briefings and comply with cabin crew instructions.
• Mobile and smart phones will still not be able to be used to make calls or send texts from the air.