Technology News
- 14 May 2012, 0:17
Virgin passengers can use phones
Passengers on Sir Richard Branson's airline, Virgin Atlantic, are to be able to make and receive phone calls while in the air.
The facility, which also includes the sending and receiving of text messages, will be available, initially, on Virgin's new Airbus A330 aircraft flying from London to New York .
It will also feature on the airline's Boeing 747 planes, which are currently going through a £50 million refurbishment. By the end of 2012, nearly 20 aircraft will provide the service.
The A330 is undergoing a £100 million investment by Virgin, including a redesigned upper class (first class) cabin.
The new mobile phone system will be available throughout the aircraft in all cabins and is targeted at business travellers.
The service is not permitted during take-off or landing, and American laws mean that it has to be turned off around 250 miles from US airspace.
Virgin Atlantic's chief operating officer Steve Griffiths said: "We have listened to what customers want and connectivity in the air is always on the wish list."
what do you think?
John Hudson
Can't think of anything worse than people being allowed to use phones on a plane. I'd rather snakes on a plane
Ray McGlynn
The thougth of listening to mindless chatter for seven hours. No thanks Richard.
Lynn Spencer
It's bad enough having to listen to people on a train blabbing away, let along a plane - why bother Branson - oh yes, good publicity !
speller007
i use my phone for text, email, calendar, music, photography and games. oh and films! i can make phone calls on it as well?? i can live without all that for an eight hour flight. it's not like there's much else to do on a plane.
Ray Gardner
7:42pm on 15/5/2012
Can't people manage without their phones for a few hours? Will the world come to an end with out them?