EASA clears use of mobile phones during flights

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has announced that airlines can now permit passengers to use electronic devices such as mobile phones during flights.

According to the BBC, EASA says that electronic devices do not pose a safety risk and that the airlines can allow passengers to use mobile phones, once they have conducted their own safety reviews.

The move ends the final regulatory hurdle for airline passengers in Europe, who will now be able to make phone calls or use wi-fi on any flight.

The EASA however said that airlines will have to undergo an assessment process to ensure aircraft system is unaffected by signals from portable electronic devices before establishing own rules for their operation.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's proposal to allow cellular services on airliners drew mixed reactions from daily fliers.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler confirmed in late October last year that it was planning to let passengers use their cellphones during the flights, if there's a miniature cell tower on the plane, PCWorld reported.

The in-flight cellphone concept drew criticism as well as appreciation from ordinary Americans.