British Airways will become the first airline in Europe to allow passengers to switch on their mobile phones after landing.
Once the aircraft has taxied off the runway, BA cabin crew will inform customers that they can turn on their handheld mobile devices.
Passengers have previously been forced to wait until their aircraft has come to a complete stop and the doors were opened before they could use their iPads, Kindles, eReaders and mobile phones.
BA has now demonstrated to the Civil Aviation Authority that their customers can safely use their handheld electronic devices, once their aircraft has left the runway.
The change in policy will come into effect from July 1 and will apply to every British Airways flight landing around the world.
Passengers on departing flights, however, will still need to turn off their handheld electronic devices when the aircraft leaves the gate, in line with current regulations.
Ian Pringle, BA flight training manager, said: "Customers will no longer have the frustration of having to wait until their plane has arrived at the terminal building before being able to use their mobile phones and other handheld electronic devices.
"Now they'll have that extra time to phone ahead for that important business meeting, check their emails, or make sure someone is there to meet them at the airport."
Earlier this year, British Airways was the first UK airline to allow customers on long-haul services to watch in-flight entertainment from the moment they board the aircraft to the time it arrives at its destination, following consultation with the CAA.
Graham Smith
