Press Release: EASA allows use of electronic devices on board

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will publish, by the end of November 2013, guidance which will extend to all phases of flight the possibility of using personal electronic devices (PED) such as tablets, smartphones, e-readers and mp3 players, as long as the devices are in ‘Flight Mode’ or ‘Airplane Mode’. Current EASA guidance allows the use of PED on aircraft, except during taxiing, take-off and landing. Bulky PED such as laptop computers will need to be stowed during taxiing, take-off and landing. These changes will be applicable to aircraft operated by European airlines. In the long term, the Agency is looking at new ways to certify the use of mobile phones on-board aircraft to make phone calls.

BBC News, 14.11.13: Europe allows gadgets to be used from take-off http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24939782

The Guardian, 14.11.13: Europe approves use of in-flight electronics during take-off and landing http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/14/europe-approves-electronic-devices-take-off-landing-easa-caa

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