Emirates clears first mile-high mobile call

Emirates airline has launched the world's first commercial in-flight mobile telephone service and will spend US$27 million to kit out its entire fleet with the technology.

The first authorised in-flight mobile call was made at 30,000ft on 21 March on Emirates flight EK751 flying between Dubai and Casablanca. The Airbus A340-300 has been equipped with an in-flight mobile system from AeroMobile.

The AeroMobile system automatically activates once the aircraft reaches 20,000ft. A video then informs passengers they can turn their mobile phones on. Passengers then receive a free text from AeroMobile telling them to switch their mobiles to 'silent' mode out of courtesy to their fellow passengers.

Calls can be made and received while the plane is at cruising altitude. The service also allows text messages to be sent and received. The system allows for a maximum of five or six calls to be made at once. Passengers using AeroMobile will be charged a premium roaming rate.

Emirates said a second aircraft in its fleet is due to be equipped with the in-flight mobile system soon.

Emirates and AeroMobile said they are working to add the ability to receive BlackBerry e-mail and other GPRS data applications to the system later this year.