Air New Zealand says passengers will soon be able to access the internet and sent text messages on some long-haul flights.
The airline says its partnership with in-flight phone and data operator, Aeromobile, will allow passengers to safely send and receive emails and text messages and access internet on laptops, during the cruise stage of long-haul flights.
But the airline does not intend to allow voice calls and says passengers will be asked to keep their phones on silent.
The airline will offer the service only on its new Boeing 777-300 planes, the first of which are due to arrive in November.
Customers will be billed by their own mobile service operator, based on their international roaming plan.
The service will be subject to regulatory approvals.
