Ban on mobile device use on airplanes lifted

Regulations for using portable electronic devices (PEDs) on airplanes have been relaxed and airlines will be responsible for making relevant rules according to their own assessment of the mobile devices, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced on Monday.

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

Zhu Tao, deputy director of the 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.

"I believe that in the near future, you will see China's airlines allowing the use of relevant PEDs," Zhu noted.

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.