Emirates in $27m in-flight mobile initiative

Emirates is to introduce in-flight mobile phone use across its entire fleet in a $27 million investment.

The UAE carrier plans to launch the service on one of its Boeing 777s in January, subject to gaining necessary approvals.

The airline hopes to add GPRS data and internet capability to the system as soon as the necessary satellite communications systems are upgraded later in 2007. This will allow the use of BlackBerrys, Palm Treos and mobile data-enabled PDAs and laptop PCs for email and internet access from aircraft.

From the new year, passengers will be able to use their mobile phones to make and receive calls and text messages with charges in line with international roaming rates.

Emirates cabin staff and information videos will advise and encourage passengers to switch their phones to silent or vibrate mode when used in the aircraft.

Phones may only be used at cruise altitude and the cabin crew will have full control over the system, including the ability to prevent voice calls at certain times such as during night flights. The number of calls that may be made at any one time is also limited to a maximum of five or six calls, the same number as for the current in-seat phones used regularly by Emirates’ passengers.

“Emirates will fully utilise the capabilities of the system to ensure that passengers who wish to communicate can do so conveniently and discreetly while preserving the privacy of fellow travelers,” a statement said.

The Dubai-based carrier will use equipment supplied by inflight mobile services provider AeroMobile, which are claimed to ensure that passenger mobile phones operate at their minimum power settings thereby allowing their safe use on the aircraft.

Emirates chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said: “The option of mobile phone use will be available under guidelines that recognise and respect the privacy of all our customers.

“Our customers are already making more than 6,000 calls a month from our in-seat phones, so we will be making life easier for those for whom staying in touch using their mobile phone has become an indispensable part of their everyday lives. Our research tells us our customers would appreciate the option of staying in touch in this way.”

Report by Phil Davies