India’s aviation regulatory agency has allowed the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs), including mobile phones, in airplane mode instead of the switched-off mode, during all phases of a flight. However, the PEDs must be in the non-transmitting mode, directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) chief Prabhat Kumar says. “The amended civil aviation regulation also directs all operators for reporting of any suspected or confirmed PED interference or smoke caused by PEDs,” he says.

NEW DELHI — India will soon conduct a complex interceptor missile test as part of its project to develop an anti-ballistic missile defense (BMD) system. In a fully automated scenario, an interceptor missile at supersonic speed, equipped with an attitude control mechanism, will seek to intercept an incoming target missile at a speed of 1,500 meters per second (3,355 mph.).

Air India is selling three long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft to help raise money to pay off its outstanding debt. The proposal to sell the aircraft comes less than four months after the airline sold five such long-range models to Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. Currently, the state-run airline intends to offer three widebody Boeing 777-200s, powered with General Electric GE90-110 engines, for complete sale “through competitive global bidding,” an airline official says. Bidding is expected to begin next month.