Chinese air passengers could soon be allowed to use smartphones and tablets during flights

China’s aviation authority will relax its rules on using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets during flights, allowing individual airlines to decide on their own rules. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced a fifth revision to government aviation regulations on Monday, paving the way for airlines to make their own assessments on the use of portable electronic devices – which are currently prohibited on Chinese airlines. The regulatory body has also developed an approval process for the airlines’ assessments. “I believe that in the near future, you will see China’s airline companies allowing the use of relevant portable electronic devices,” said Zhu Tao, deputy director of the CAAC. The aviation rules were revised for the fourth time in April last year, and existing rules bar passengers from switching on or operating PEDs during flights. Banned devices included mobile phones, walkie-talkies and remote control toys.<br/>