Ryanair has signed a deal with OnAir to fit mobile phone capabilities to its fleet of Boeing 737s
Ryanair to offer in-flight mobile calls
/v3-uk/news/1945688/ryanair-offer-flight-mobile-calls
31 Aug 2006, Andrew Charlesworth , V3
Budget airline Ryanair is to offer in-flight mobile phone access from next summer, pending regulatory approval.
The airline, which operates 360 routes across 23 European countries, has signed a deal with OnAir to fit mobile phone capabilities to its entire fleet of 200 Boeing 737 aircraft.
If Ryanair's plans go according to schedule, 50 aircraft will be upgraded in the second half of 2007 and the rest throughout 2008.
"Ryanair will soon enable passengers to use their mobile phones and electronic communications devices in the air, just as they do on the ground," said Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary.
The deal covers smartphones, such as RIM's BlackBerry, so that passengers will be able to send and receive emails during flights.
The price of calls will be "in line with European roaming charges", according to a statement from OnAir. The calls will appear itemised on customers' monthly bills.
Boeing recently shelved plans to roll out its Connexion in-flight internet access service, citing lack of demand.
The service was already installed on 72 long-haul aircraft with 12 carriers, including SAS and Lufthansa. Access was charged at up to $29.95, depending on the duration of the flight.
OnAir is a joint venture with Airbus, which vies with Boeing for market leadership in commercial airliners.
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Do you agree?
security risk
In the current climate is it a good idea ?.
Imagine an explosive device in hold baggage triggered by a detonator that activates on being rung !!
Posted by Bill, 31 Aug 2006
In-flight mobile cells
Is it really necessary to have cell phones on planes? How about a quiet area for those who cannot bear the insufferable boors who subject all of us to their cell phone stupidity?
Cell phone (ab)users are unconscious, disrespectful, discourteous and obnoxious. Public transportation and areas; doctors' offices; theaters; restaurants; checkout lines; just about everywhere. In their own dream world walking in the street, or "driving" their cars. Their business, everyone's business. Unable to bear silence or be by, or with, themselves for a moment. Totally oblivious to---and inconsiderate of---their neighbors.
Cell phones will be as ubiquitous in airplanes as they are in places where we are all held captive. These addicts ought to be relegated to their own soundproof cabin, compelled to suffer one another's inanities. For the entire flight.
I, and hopefully those who share these feelings, will give our business to the airlines that have the sense to ban them.
Emanuel Molho, New York, NY
Posted by Emanuel Molho, 31 Aug 2006