Newsstand - Airborne cell service for Europe has strong implications for US

http://www.traveldailynews.com/new.asp?newid=38116&subcategory_id=95

An announcement by Airbus that European passengers will soon be able to use cellphones and Blackberry devices in flight may give business travelers flying on aircraft built by the Toulouse-based manufacturer a major boost in productivity, and a marketing advantage to carriers that offer the service.
According to a statement issued by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives` (ACTE), enhanced in-flight communication services are coming and it`s time to start shaping them now, while they are in the developmental stage.

Hi,

OnAir, the joint venture between Airbus and SITA, to provide mobile phone use in the skies is not the only one.

ARINC, in a joint venture with Telenor named Aeromobile, will also be launching a service as per their website:

http://www.aeromobile.net/news.asp?ID=37

(although their launch did get delayed while waiting for the FCC proceedings)

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

I expect to see these technologies in all aircraft in coming years - not only in Europe, but in the United States / North America, as well as other parts of the world.

I don't see it limited to Airbus either.

There have been major improvements upon wireless technologies and it's really just a matter of time. The airlines are also looking for additional revenue sources and if people will pay to use mobiles in the air, along with other wireless technologies including internet access, the airlines are going to provide it sooner or later.

Hi SDF,

You're definitely right. The OnAir product (the Airbus joint venture) is available for all aircraft types. RyanAir, an all Boeing fleet, has signed up for this product.

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

Loving it, cannot wait to be able to use my BlackBerry in flight. Some people hate the idea, even people who I've never met have publicly stated they don't want me using my BlackBerry in flight - or maybe they didn't mean just me - maybe it was a general comment.

Anyway, some people choose to recline their seat into my 6ft presence, some inflict their screaming kids on me, so in turn, it's only fair I should use my phone if I want. Each to their own. We all have annoying habits on aircraft, it's not just a phone thing. ^