Ryanair to offer mobile calls during flight

Ryanair passengers will soon be able to use their mobile during flights.

The low-cost airline has struck a deal with OnAir, a passenger communications provider, which will see its entire fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft fitted with equipment that allows mobile calls.

Ryanair said it expects to start installing the equipment by mid-2007, subject to relevant regulatory approval, and that the technology will let people call, text and email using their mobile phones, BlackBerrys and Treos at rates which will mirror international roaming charges.

Announcing the new service initiative, Ryanair’s chief executive officer Michael O’Leary said: “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 [low fares].”

George Cooper, chief executive officer at OnAir, told Web User that taking mobiles onto aircraft was now longer seen as a security risk after recent changes, as it was just liquids airport authorities were banning.

He said mobiles would be able to be used above 10,000 feet, at the same time other electronic items are allowed to be switched on.

As for mobile etiquette, Cooper said he believed airlines will need to decide on how people are allowed to use them. The OnAir system allows airlines to switch on and off the service when need be - such as at night time on a long-haul flight.

http://www.ryanair.com

More news via RSS Post item to Del.icio.us Post item to Digg.com