Ban on mobile device use on airplanes lifted

Speakers: Li Ningjing and Sam Duckett 

[Photo: Baidu.com]

Regulations for using portable electronic devices on airplanes have been relaxed and airlines will be responsible for making relevant rules according to their own assessment of the mobile devices.

That means passengers on Chinese airlines will soon be able to take pictures or enjoy in-flight Wi-Fi services on their smartphones.

The change is part of the fifth revision of the government's aviation regulations.

The industry regulator, the Civil Aviation Administration of China or CAAC said the government is now transferring the rights to individual airlines to make assessments. Also, the CAAC has clarified related methods of checking and assessment for the airlines.

According to the fourth revision of aviation rules, which took place in April last year, use of mobile phones, remote control toys and other electronic devices with remote controls were prohibited on airplanes.

Zhu Tao, deputy director of the CAAC, noted that he believes " in the near future, you will see China's airlines allowing the use of relevant PEDs."

The audio clip is from Studio+, produced by CRI.