In-flight mobile phone plan by Air France
Air France believes it will be the first airline to take delivery of an aircraft allowing mobile phones to be used on board without disrupting navigation.
The Airbus A318 due to enter service early next year will be equipped with OnAir, a special in-flight system which allows passengers to use mobile telephones.
Air France will carry out trials on the aircraft from March to September 2007, first of all by messaging and emailing only, and then with sound on servies in Europe and to North Africa.
The carrier will seek passenger feedback with the findings determining whether the service will be extended or not to other aircraft in the fleet.
The service will enable passengers to:
*receive and send calls and SMS’ on a mobile phone,
*receive and send emails on a laptop or PDA,
*access the internet in WAP/imode.
Leaflets will be distributed to passengers before the flight (explaining the service, how it functions, tariffs etc) and flight attendants will make announcements during the flight.
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.”
Meanwhile, Air France and KLM passengers are being offered online check-in for flights operating to almost all destinations on the networks of both airlines.
E-ticket holders can choose seat numbers and print their boarding card at home or at their office. At the airport, they deposit their baggage at a dedicated drop-off counter, or go straight to the boarding lounge.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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