Ryanair readies itself for mobile take-off

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Ryanair plans to enable some of its 40 million-plus passengers to use their mobile phones in-flight from the middle of next year.

But the budget airline will be pipped to the post by Air France who plans to start trialling the same system earlier in 2007.

The news follows Boeing's announcement earlier this month to kill off its high-speed, in-flight broadband service, Connexion, at a loss of up to $320 million.

Ryanair says it will equip its fleet of 200-plus Boeing 737 planes, which fly more than 300 routes spanning 23 countries, with a mobile solution from OnAir so that people can call, text and email while they're sky high.

Around a quarter of its planes will be fitted with the mobile system next year, with the remainder being added from 2008.

Using satellite broadband links and a ground network supported by OnAir's telecoms infrastructure partner (Monaco Telecom) those taking advantage of the service will only pay rates similar to standard international roaming charges.

Ryanair will get commission on any revenues generated by passengers using the solution.

"This is another revolutionary passenger service initiative from Ryanair," said Michael O'Leary, the airline's chief executive.

"This is a win-win for Ryanair, OnAir and most importantly our customers. The revenues generated by onboard mobile telephony will reduce our costs and help us to keep offering the lowest fares in Europe while at the same time doubling the size of our operation over the next five years as we grow to carry 80 million passengers annually by 2012."

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