Inflight mobile use gets go ahead

Air passengers will soon be able to make mobile calls in mid-flight on certain routes after GSM equipment for use in planes was given an official safety certification.

The European Aviation Safety Authority has certified equipment to be used by technology firm OnAir for the provision of mobile services on Airbus A318 aircraft, allowing passengers to use phones and other mobile devices while in the air.

Airlines expected to use the equipment onboard their flights in future trials include Air France and bmi.

"This airworthiness certification is a major milestone in the process of bringing our service to market. It follows successful testing earlier this year," commented Benoit Debains, chief executive of OnAir.

Yesterday, it was also announced that AirAsia will be the first Asian carrier to implement OnAir's inflight mobile services.

OnAir is a joint venture of Airbus and air transport communications provider Sita.

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