Ryanair to Permit Cell Phone Use

Ryanair Holdings PLC, the low-cost Irish airline, unveiled a deal that will allow passengers to use mobile phones and other hand-held devices during flights, The Wall Street Journal reported last week.

Ryanair has signed up telecom company OnAir-partly owned by European Aeronautic Defense & Space Co. to fit its fleet with a lightweight technology that will allow passengers to make and receive cell phone calls, text messages and emails while in flight.

If it gets regulatory approval, which is expected in November, the plan will be introduced by the middle of next year. The announcement comes as many European airports have tightened security rules.