OREANDA-NEWS. In Lufthansa's point of view, flight modes for passengers' own electronic devices could soon be a thing of the past. Passengers will then be able to leave their smartphones, tablets and laptops switched on from gate to gate. This will be made possible by an initiative introduced by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Cologne. "We welcome this logical step and hope that it will get a green light soon from the aeroplane manufacturers and the German Federal Aviation Authority," said Jens Bischof, Member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board - Sales, Product & Marketing. "For our guests who already value our broadband internet on all long-haul routes, this is a practical addition." The Company is also working to offer internet on short and medium-haul routes; an international call for tenders has already been put out.

Exactly when and for which aircraft types the new regulations will apply cannot be said at this time. The technical basis for the global easing of restrictions on the use of electronic devices is that the board systems of commercial aircraft have been proven to be well shielded. What is already clear now, though, is that telephone conversations on board - including over the internet - are not wanted at Lufthansa. This is not for technical reasons; surveys have shown that many passengers worry that telephone conversations on board will be bothersome.