The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) yesterday announced that it is to loosen regulations over in-flight use of electronic devices, including allowing passengers to use their handsets during any part of the flight as long as they are in airplane mode.
As long as Taiwanese airline companies apply for the new flight-safety standards and gain approval, throughout flights, their passengers can use their mobile devices in airplane mode, while other electronic devices that can be stored in seat pockets may also be used, the CAA said.
Oversized electronic devices can be used while the aircraft is above 10,000 feet (3,048m) for those on international routes, while passengers on domestic flights are forbidden from using such devices for the entire duration of the flight, the agency said.
According to existing regulations, electronic and mobile devices of all sizes are prohibited for the entire duration of domestic flights and are only allowed on international flights once the aircraft has reached 10,000 feet, the CAA said.
In addition, the new regulation allows for the regular use of mobile devices while the aircraft is taxiing before take-off and after landing.
The new rules are only to apply to Taiwanese carriers, the CAA added.
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