Passengers are allowed to use mobiles on flights

[Photo: from VCG]

Starting on Thursday, passengers on China Eastern Airlines and Hainan Airlines can use their mobile phones during flights, as the Civil Aviation Administration of China has loosened the restrictions on in-flight portable electronic devices.

According to a notice issued by the CAAC, airliners can now make their own rules for passenger use of electronic devices and apply for approval from the CAAC.

Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines announced on Wednesday that its passengers will be able to use their smartphones, pads, laptops and other portable electronic devices during the flights starting on Thursday, but the phones have to be switched to airplane mode.

China Eastern has been taking the lead in promoting in-flight Wi-Fi services in recent years. The company is offering in-flight Wi-Fi service on 74 airplanes.

In-flight Wi-Fi is currently available on all China Eastern's international long-haul routes and 166 domestic routes, and the new rules may enhance passengers' surfing experience if they can use their mobile terminals.

Hainan Airlines, China's largest private air carrier, announced that it is ready to allow the use of portable electronic devices in the air starting on Thursday. 

[The audio clip is from Studio+, produced by CRI] 

(News source: China Daily)