AirFrance to Start Mobile Phone Use Trials

Airline passengers have always been politely asked by flight crews to turn off their mobile phones during flights, as activated mobile phones might just cause the aircraft’s navigation system to go haywire.

AirFrance has figured out a way to make mobile phone use possible without the risk of crashing the plane. The airline is to take delivery of Airbus A318 planes that come equipped with OnAir, the in-flight system that allows users to use their phones without disrupting the navigation system. The trials will start in March 2007 and will run for six months. The first stage of testing will involve passengers sending text messages and emails. Actual conversations will only be permitted in succeeding stages of the testing.

AirFrance Head of Marketing Patrick Roux said, “Air France has always shared the full benefits of the latest technology with its passengers, while endeavouring to preserve the flight as a haven of peace and well-being.”

OK, so we can survive a flight, but can we survive all the cellphone-chatting folks we’re flying with? Not to mention – annoying ringing tones, the loud keypad tones while texting, and other cellphone-related noises might make flying unbearable.
Airline passengers have always been politely asked by flight crews to turn off their mobile phones during flights, as activated mobile phones might just cause the aircraft’s navigation system to go haywire.

AirFrance has figured out a way to make mobile phone use possible without the risk of crashing the plane. The airline is to take delivery of Airbus A318 planes that come equipped with OnAir, the in-flight system that allows users to use their phones without disrupting the navigation system. The trials will start in March 2007 and will run for six months. The first stage of testing will involve passengers sending text messages and emails. Actual conversations will only be permitted in succeeding stages of the testing.

AirFrance Head of Marketing Patrick Roux said, “Air France has always shared the full benefits of the latest technology with its passengers, while endeavouring to preserve the flight as a haven of peace and well-being.”

OK, so we can survive a flight, but can we survive all the cellphone-chatting folks we’re flying with? Not to mention – annoying ringing tones, the loud keypad tones while texting, and other cellphone-related noises might make flying unbearable.