First Commercial In-Flight Mobile Phone Call Completed

The worldÃ's first authorised in-flight mobile phone calls on a commercial flight took place recently following the successful installation of the AeroMobile system by Emirates Airline. The calls took place on Emirates flight EK751 flying between Dubai and Casablanca following the granting of full approval from aviation authorities.

The in-flight system includes a number of features that allow users to talk or text discreetly whilst maintaining the privacy of other passengers. This includes the ability for cabin crew to control the system at any time, for example, crew may disable voice service and select text only operation mode for overnight flights.

At the heart of the in-flight system is a multiband antenna combiner unit (ACU) specifically designed, developed and manufactured for AeroMobile by Axell Wireless.

Emirates will be investing some US$27 million to fit its fleet with the AeroMobile system which ensures that passengersÃ' mobile phones operate at their absolute minimum power, thereby allowing their safe use on the aircraft. A second Emirates aircraft, a Boeing 777-300, has already been installed with the AeroMobile system and will be in operation very shortly.

Ian Brown, Chief Executive of Axell Wireless, said: "As people expect to use their mobile phones anywhere nowadays, the provision of wireless communication on board aeroplanes is a natural step, which Axell Wireless is proud to be part of. Thanks to Axell WirelessÃ' 30 years of experience in the field of providing special radio coverage solutions, travellersÃ' comfort and business passengersÃ' efficiency will significantly improve." Axell Wireless are internationally acknowledged experts in the design, and supply, of cost effective RF for solutions for commercial, military, aviation and public safety organisations around the world.

Posted to the site on 2nd June 2008