The European Commission has introduced rules in Brussels to allow the use of mobile phones in flights across Europe.

According to the new rules, which took effect Monday, business people and consumers can receive and make calls and messages safely with their own mobile phones while flying all over Europe.

Francoise Humbert, Association of European Airlines spokeswoman says the licensing for the system only allows people to use mobile phones on those aircraft equipped with a particular system which is being tested by a few leading airlines at the moment.

"The announcement by the European Commission really means that now the licensing for the system to use mobile phones onboard aircraft will be harmonised throughout Europe. Harmonisation is always good for citizens for Europe as a whole, but it's potentially misleading."

Mobile phone use is currently strictly prohibited on planes globally. It is a routine of safety check that all passengers are told to turn off completely their mobile phones and other electronic devices.

However with the new system, passengers' phones will be linked to an onboard cellular network connected to the ground via satellite.

It is up to airlines to decide whether to launch this kind of service and some of them are expected to enter the new market by the end of this year.

The Commission says pricing of in-flight mobile-phone use is not covered by the new rules, but it will closely monitor the levels and transparency of prices charged to consumers.