In-flight mobile phone use
 

I seem to recall being on a flight about a year ago on which mobile phone use was permitted (LHR-DXB on a 773 iirc). Upon asking the FAs, I was told the service would be gradually introduced across the fleet. However, I've just realised I've heard nothing more of this - indeed, a quick search of these forums turns up nothing more recent than mid-'08.

Have these plans been scrapped? Seems a pity: even if not calls, in-flight text messages could be rather useful; and the cabin ambience didn't seem affected at all - everyone seemed courteous enough to switch their phones to silent.

EK has roughly 40 planes equipped with AeroMobile's system and planes are being retrofitted on a roughly 1 plane per week rate.

Even if your flight is not being operated by an AeroMobile equipped a/c, you are still able to send and receive SMSs via the seat back IFE system on both ICE and non-ICE equipped planes.

Ah, that answers my question perfectly - thanks!

Further, however, any idea which aircraft are fitted with this system and which routes they're likely to operate? With 40 of the things around I'd expect to have encountered more than one!

Mostly A330s, A340s (-300 and -500) and B777s (-200s, -200ERs and -300s).

The B777-300ERs will commence installation in May. Eventually the plan is to fit out the entire fleet but this will take at least another 2 years.

From what i can recall they are trying to do 3-4 aircraft per month and the installation is being done as the aircraft go in for scheduled maintenance.

New Boeing deliveries from June/July onwards will have the system pre-installed from the factory.

Rgds
Emirates777

Just done a rtn Dubai to BKK and this facility was available on both legs. Aircraft in use was 777 ER

Thanks - that explains it; most of my flights these days are (thankfully!) -300ERs.