Virgin Atlantic claims it will become the first British airline to provide passengers with a service to make and receive phone calls in flight.
The airline said it was responding to demand from its customers, who will also be able to send and receive text messages, emails and get web access via GPRS.
The technology will be available in all cabins but is aimed at business travellers.
It is currently offered to customers with 02 or Vodafone networks, who will be billed for the international roaming charges.
Director of corporate communications Greg Dawson said, "We have listened to what customers want and connectivity in the air is always on the wish list.
"Many people will have experienced that moment when you’re about to take off on a 10-hour flight and you need to send an important message to the office, or even reminding a family member to feed the cat!
"It’s also quite fun to call home and say "Guess where I am" – not many people will think you’re travelling at 35,000ft above the Atlantic Ocean."
The service will be available on Virgin’s new A330 aircraft currently flying from London to New York and will also feature on the airline’s B747 aircraft, which are currently going through a £50m refurbishment.
By the end of 2012, nearly 20 aircraft will provide the service.
The service cannot by used during take-off or landing, and American laws mean that it has to be turned off around 250 miles from US airspace.
Only basic web access is possible using the GPRS service.
by Bev Fearis
