28 September 2009

Ã¢â¬ËœFirst transatlantic in-flight emails and textsÃ¢â¬â¢

Passengers using British Airways new business class-only service between London City Airport and New York will have the first mobile phone access on a transatlantic flight.

Text messages, emails and internet access via mobile phones and BlackBerry devices will be available on the service, which starts tomorrow (Tuesday).

BA is using specially configured 32-seat Airbus A318 aircraft to launch the first long haul routes from the London Docklands airport via Shannon on the outbound leg.

The airline’s chief executive Willie Walsh said:"Every aspect of this service has been designed to maximise convenience for customers to fly between the world’s two biggest business centres - Wall Street and London’s extended financial district in the City and Docklands.

"The UK’s first mobile phone access on transatlantic flights means that customers can work and keep in touch with the office between London and New York via email and texts."

The in-flight connectively on the aircraft, the largest that can be flown from London City, is being provided by supplier Mobile OnAir.

CEO Benoit Debains said: "The launch marks a further and very significant milestone in airline take-up of in-flight connectivity.

"Mobile OnAir will support British Airways in providing their passengers with the very highest service levels on this long-haul route.

"It is the most technologically advanced of all in-flight connectivity systems, and represents the best way forward to take advantage of developing technology."

by Phil Davies