Air NZ allows Bluetooth on flights

An Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Photo / Alan Gibson

Air New Zealand will allow passengers to use Bluetooth devices "gate to gate'' across its entire fleet.

From this Thursday customers flying on any domestic or international flight will be able to operate Bluetooth devices from the departure gate to the arrival gate, provided their devices are set to flight mode.

This means customers can remain connected with their wearable Bluetooth tech such as Fitbit devices, Apple watches and Bluetooth headsets, as well as operate a wireless mouse and wireless keyboard during cruise.

Air New Zealand's general manager customer experience, Carrie Hurihanganui said it was a way of meeting customer demand

The airline needed Civil Aviation Authority approval following comprehensive testing conducted across its fleet.

Use of Bluetooth devices gate to gate will be limited to common lightweight, handheld personal electronic devices, or for large PED devices during cruise. High-power industrial devices are not permitted to be used on Air New Zealand aircraft.

The airline said it was a first for a carrier in the South Pacific.

Under existing rules cellular, Bluetooth and Wi-fi must be turned off and flight or airplane mode selected.