Emirates hopes in-flight mobile calls will take off

Emirates aims to be the first of its kind to let passengers make in-flight calls using their own mobiles.

The Dubai-based airline is hoping to switch the new service on as early as January, using one of its Boeing 777s as a test bed.

If the operator successfully meets its planned schedule, it will pip some of its airline counterparts to the onboard mobile post.

In September, Ryanair announced plans to allow some of its 40 million-strong passenger base to use their mobiles from the middle of 2007, while Air France is planning a similar move earlier in the year.

Emirates has partnered with AeroMobile, an in-flight communications specialist, to enable passengers to use their mobiles to chat and text while in the sky, at a cost comparable to roaming.

AeroMobile has created an aircraft system capable of ensuring that onboard mobile output is minimised, making such devices safe to use without risk of mechanical interference.

Up to five calls, connected via Inmarsat satellite technology, can be conducted simultaneously while onboard, which is the same limit as currently allowed with Emirates' in-seat phones.

The flight crew will also be able to control the system's use and restrict service functionality, such as disabling voice services, when the need arises.

Ultimately, the airline plans to extend the system's use so that passengers can use the internet onboard, in addition to allowing BlackBerry and Palm Treo users to make use of their devices' GPRS capabilities while in the air.

"As the world leader in innovation for our customers, we are delighted to offer the choice of mobile phone use to passengers who would like to make contact with friends, family or colleagues while flying with us," said Emirates chairman and chief executive H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

But users needn't worry that their quiet flying experience will be interrupted by incessant ring tones or text beeps.

"The option of mobile phone use will be available under guidelines that recognise and respect the privacy of all our customers," he added.

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