Passengers taking flights from Heathrow Airport can now re-charge their mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices free of charge, thanks to 47 newly installed ‘power poles’.The charging bases have been introduced at the departure lounges of terminals 1 and 3, with each pole being able to recharge up to eight devices simultaneously.

Airport officials spent a total of £300,000 on the power poles, hoping to encourage increased use of Heathrow Airport’s state-of-the-art Wifi service.Additional charging points are expected to be installed in Terminal 4 shortly.

“The simplest of ideas are often the best ideas,” commented Juan Perez of BAA. “We are confident that the power poles will provide an effective cost-free solution to a genuine problem, which will ultimately make our passengers’ airport experience more enjoyable.”As an official sponsor of the scheme, Samsung will be showcasing information about its latest electronic devices on the charging bases.