Air New Zealand to introduce in-flight texting

Passengers on Air New Zealand flights may soon be able to send text messages and emails mid-flight.

The company must first work with the NZ Civil Aviation Authority the ability to text during flights won’t affect passenger safety.

The plan would allow users to text and receive emails on flights later this year, and would even allow for users to connect to mobile broadband networks.

“Customers will be billed by their own mobile service provider, as with any other international roaming plan,” the company said in a statement.

“Standard in-flight roaming costs apply, which with Telecom XT is 80c per outbound text and no cost to receive them. The cost for mobile broadband is $40.00 per megabyte of data. Other mobile phone providers, including Vodafone, will be confirming pricing in the coming months.”

However, the company also said the plan is subject to regulatory approval.