Upwardly mobile

It seems only a matter of time before onboard mobile phone use gets the go-ahead from the world’s civil aerospace regulators, forever changing the onboard environment on aircraft.
A change in the IFE market occurred last month, when Boeing opted to ditch its in-flight entertainment arm, Connexion, from the market, due to lack of interest, despite six years in the industry and investment in time, financial resources and technology.
However, AeroMobile, a joint venture between Arinc and Telenor, estimates that up to 20 aircraft will be flying with its system by the year end, as the quest to enable passengers to use their mobile phones in-flight takes off.
Star Navigation is developing a system for onboard mobile use for India’s SpiceJet, which is due to be followed by the launch of a worldwide sales and marketing effort to the airline industry.
AR Aviation, a business jet operator in India, also intends to purchase the system once SpiceJet has the system in operation and the worldwide sales push is launched.
01/10/06 Barbara Cockburn/ITP.net, United Arab Emirates

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