UK telecom regulator Ofcom has given the go-ahead for the use of mobile phones on flights.
Ofcom has proposed a licensing regime for UK airlines to use systems enabling phone calls and text messages in the air, following talks with regulators across the European Union.
Safety authorities have already licensed one Airbus model for mobile phone use, although no Boeing aircraft has yet been approved.
The system has still to be approved by the Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency. Mobile use in the air remains banned because the signals interfere with cockpit instrument readings.
Airlines acknowledge there is some passenger demand for mobile use, but there have been warnings it could provoke air rage. Most carriers are likely to offer limited use, and possibly restrict usage to text messages.
Of the major carriers, only Ryanair has said it will allow calls on all flights. Calls will not fall within EU charging restrictions and will be expensive.