Air travellers can now use electronic devices on aircraft....

[EmilyRushton 253369]

[URL="http://www.thestar.com/business/2014/05/26/air_travellers_can_use_electronic_devices_on_aircraft_in_canada.html"]http://www.thestar.com/business/2014/05/26/air_travellers_can_use_electronic_devices_on_aircraft_in_canada.html[/URL]
By: Vanessa Lu Business reporter, Published on Mon May 26 2014

[COLOR="Black"]Those old familiar warnings from flight attendants to stow your electronic devices until the plane reaches its cruising altitude could soon be a thing of the past.

Canadian airlines are preparing to let passengers use portable electronic gadgets from the time they board an aircraft until they land, as long as they do not transmit data, thanks to new Transport Canada rules.

Air Canada says it hopes to be able to offer the change on its planes in a matter of days, while WestJet Airlines and Porter Airlines say the switch would likely take place in early summer.

Transport Minister Lisa Raitt announced the loosening of rules on Monday, saying airlines could now apply for this permission, but they need to demonstrate that their aircraft fleet can tolerate the radio interference. As well, they must update manuals and amend flight crew training programs.

â??We want to get Canadians that freedom to fly with their electronic devices as soon as possible,â? said Raitt at a news conference in Ottawa.

Raitt argued the policy change would give passengers the chance to finish a memo or read a document while on the plane. â??Or you have your child next to you whoâ??s playing on their Nintendo DS or on a tablet. Now, you have productivity time and you have the freedom to choose,â? she added.

This exemption applies to the use of devices such as cameras, tablets, electronic games and e-readers, from gate to gate, so long as they are in non-transmitting mode or flight mode, including during takeoff and landings.

Cellphones are also considered electronic devices, but once the aircraft is in motion prior to take off, customers aboard aircraft will not be able to make cellular phone calls or send and receive wireless signals.

Previously, Canadian rules stipulated that passengers were only allowed to use these gadgets during what is called noncritical phases of flight, such as the cruising portion of a flight, or during the taxi-in phase, after landing, toward the airport gate.

The changes come, in part, to harmonize rules existing elsewhere including the United States and Europe which both relaxed their rules last year.

A special U.S. review panel determined most commercial airplanes can tolerate radio interference signals from portable electronic devices.

Canadian airlines like Air Canada, WestJet and Porter airlines all welcomed Transport Canadaâ??s announcement, saying they intend to apply immediately for such permission.

â??Our customers have been telling us they want the option to use their (devices) at all times on board our aircraft both for working and entertainment,â? said Craig Landry, Air Canadaâ??s vice-president of marketing, in a statement.

Bob Cummings, WestJet executive vice-president, sales, marketing and guest experience, praised Transport Canada for recognizing the prevalence of these devices and the desire of passengers to use them.

â??This decision clears the way for the use of portable electronic devices while in non-transmitting or flight mode on a gate-to-gate basis while ensuring the safety of our guests,â? Cummings said in a statement.

Under separate Transport Canada permission, Air Canada has begun to offer limited Wi-Fi service, which allows emails, tweets, and surfing the Internet, but cellular calls are still prohibited.

Last month, the airline announced a deal with Gogo, a U.S. company, to provide ground-to-air cell service over North America, with 29 aircraft to be outfitted with special equipment by yearâ??s end, and 130 planes by 2015.[/COLOR]