Aircraft

In-flight telephony specialist OnAir has received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency for its airborne GSM equipment, paving the way for the launch of services allowing passengers to use mobile phones and BlackBerry-type devices on board aircraft.

OnAir, established by Sita and Airbus, has been working on securing the required approval from the telecommunications regulators and airworthiness certification for its service.

The certification of the service helps clear the path for the start of trials of the service initially on an Air France Airbus A318 this summer, but later also on BMI and TAP Portugal aircraft. Full launch customer Ryanair is also targeting starting service on its Boeing 737-800s later this year.