Irish airlines to allow mobiles

Mobile phone use is currently banned onboard aircraft

Irish national carrier Aer Lingus has said it plans to permit the use of mobile phones on its planes.

Ryanair said it would test mobile phone technology in June on 20 of its aircraft from one of its European bases with connections to the Irish Republic.

Aer Lingus said it was currently reviewing the issue.

"We do hope at some stage to be able to operate the service but it does take a number of weeks to install the technology on each aircraft," it said.

"So not in the immediate future - but hopefully, yes, in the future."

However, Ryanair is pressing ahead following a European green light for the technology.

"By June this year, passengers will be able to use their own mobile phones and we'll be encouraging them to make as many calls to their hearts' content," said a Ryanair spokesman.

New European Commission rules mean mobile phone calls will be allowed on planes flying in European airspace.

The decision means that mobiles could be used once a plane has reached an altitude of 3,000m or more.

It follows six months of consultation by the European regulator and the first services could be launched next month.

Peter Sherrard, head of communications with Ryanair, said: "Passengers should bear in mind that Ryanair aircraft have never been quiet places.

"We are constantly selling food, drink, perfumes and scratchcards, and we will be encouraging people to talk, text and talk."

Ryanair said charges would be in line with the international roaming rate and will be about one euro per minute.

The EU roaming rate is capped at 60 cents per minute, however it does not apply to satellite-based services, which will be used in aircraft.

The only commercial service currently available is on Emirates flights between Dubai and Casablanca and costs up to $4 a minute.

Its technology is supplied by County Kerry-based company Aeromobile, whose chairman is former t�naiste Dick Spring.

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