On 9 December, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published guidelines that extend the ability to use personal electronic devices (PED) such as tablets, smartphones, e-book readers, MP3 players during all phases of flight. Devices should remain in the so-called "Airplane" or “Offline" mode. Each airline will be able to follow the guidelines and change their rules and policy.
Mr Siim Kallas, Commissioner for Transport and European Commission Vice President asked the Agency to accelerate work on the new guidelines, which will include the possibility of extending use of personal electronic devices (PED) also in transmit mode which will allow the connection to the Internet or phone calls during a flight. The guidelines are expected to be issued in early 2014. More information is available on the website of the European Aviation Safety Agency.