Mobile capability on black aircraft a NZ first

Media Release

Mobile capability on black aircraft will be a New Zealand first

Air New Zealand, in partnership with Vodafone and OnAir, today announced it will be enabling its new black A320 with mobile phone and data capability.

Within the next month, Air New Zealand’s new all black plane will become the first aircraft in the country to enable passengers to use their mobile phones during domestic flights.

The Airbus A320 aircraft, which commences its first commercial flights today, will be fitted with new inflight mobile technology which will enable the safe use of mobile phones to make and receive phone calls, text messages and emails, during the cruise stage of flights.

The system, which will be available on the domestic A320 aircraft only, is designed so that passengers’ mobile phone signals are routed through an aircraft cell site.

Air New Zealand’s General Manager Airline Operations Captain David Morgan says this new technology underlines the airline’s commitment to provide its customers with innovative solutions to meet their needs.

“Feedback from our customers shows they value being able to stay in touch with work colleagues, friends and family while they are in the air,” says Captain Morgan.

“This new inflight technology, which uses an aircraft-based cell site and Inmarsat satellites, will mean our customers onboard the new black A320 aircraft will be able to safely use their mobile to stay in touch by text, phone call and email.”

Air New Zealand is delivering this service to its customers in partnership with Vodafone New Zealand and OnAir, the industry-leading onboard connectivity solutions provider.

Vodafone’s Chief Marketing Officer, Greg Campbell, says “Vodafone is passionate about innovation and bringing new technology to New Zealand. The new in-flight network will be another step in our commitment to help Vodafone customers be more connected wherever they are.

“As a frequent flyer myself, I’m looking forward to using my Vodafone mobile in-flight. I can see myself making regular calls to make sure my kids leave for the airport on time and pick me up,” says Greg.

The aircraft will be equipped with Mobile OnAir in-flight passenger communications solution including GSM/Data services.

“We are excited at working with Air New Zealand to deliver service excellence for passengers and extending our customer base in the Asia Pacific region,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir.

Vodafone is the network operator for this service and inflight roaming costs will apply, 80c per outbound text, $3.50/min to make a call, $2.00/min to receive a call and $20 per megabyte of data. Customers who are with other mobile providers should contact their provider for rates

Using your mobile phone to call, text or download data is strictly prohibited on all other flights.

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