Mobile phone trial on Air France jet

[sNyx]

Originally Posted by Cheapflights.co.uk

The use of mobile phones on airplanes has taken another step forward with the announcement by Air France that they are to begin trials early next year.

The airline is to take delivery of a new A318 equipped with OnAir, an in-flight system that allows mobile phones to be used on board without disrupting navigation.

Beginning in March 2007 the trials will run for six months with tests at first involving passengers sending texts and email, before progressing on to actual conversations.

Patrick Roux, head of marketing, said "Air France has always shared the full benefits of the latest technology with its passengers, while endeavouring to preserve the flight as a haven of peace and well-being."

Leaflets will be distributed to passengers before the flight that explains the service, how it functions and tariffs, with flight attendants also making announcements during the flight.

In September last year UK airline bmi said it would begin trials of a similar system in autumn of 2006 (see bmi to allow in-flight mobile phones).

Would you be happy sat next to someone on their mobile phone during a flight? Please leave a comment below.

[Liqwid]

i duno........not those really loud mouth people........

but i come to wonder why is this only being figured out now.

.dalyn.

[Miss T]

i wouldn't mind, cuz obviously they are really talkative, so that would save me having to actually talk to them. hehe.

[sNyx]

Personally I hate talking on the train or bus, likewise people gabbing next to me, so I can't say I appeal to that all so much. I think it would be sweet to be able to sms in flight, god knows what roaming charges would be like for calls. Gotta love international .10 messaging.

[esoter1c]

This reminds me of how on 9/11 all those people were making calls from the planes to relatives before they crashed.

Pretty funny how cell phones don't work on planes unless they're being hijacked by arab terrorists.

[mapleleaf4ever]

^ Cellphones always work on Planes, it's just not recommended because they can interfere with things like Navigation Systems.

This is a cool idea... except now it's going to be like the Bus and everyone will be on their damned phones the entire trip.

[Liqwid]

beside.........thats what ipods are for...........

.dalyn.

[Revolver]

hell no!

flying is tedious enough as it is.