SMS scores over calls on Emirates mobile services

Dubai: Only five or six passengers will be able to make direct phone calls through cellphones at a time per flight, an Emirates official told Gulf News while explaining how the system works.

It would take one hour for 300 passengers to make a one-minute call, but a larger number of SMS messages could be sent within that hour.

"So you won't see half of the passengers talking over the phones, as they will have to patiently try their chances for getting through the lines," Patrick Brannelly, Emirates vice-president for passenger services, said.

"At the beginning of each flight we run a video explaining the details of how the service works, so that the passengers are aware of it and they remain conscious of the comfort of other passengers on board. "We will also extend GPRS facilities in about a year that will allow passengers to access e-mail and data."

World leader

At 9:30am yesterday, Emirates became the first airline to commercially launch an inflight mobile telephone service, when the first authorised mobile phone call during a commercial flight was made yesterday at 30,000 feet en route to Casablanca, aboard an Emirates Airbus A340-300 aircraft - the first in the airline's fleet to be equipped with the AeroMobile system.

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Auth-ority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, said: "All seats across our fleet are already equipped with in-seat phones, as well as email and text messaging capabilities via the in-seat entertainment system.

"As the world leader in innovation for our customers, we are delighted to now offer them the choice of using their own mobile phones to contact friends, family or colleagues while flying with us. Our customers are already making more than 7,000 calls a month from our in-seat phones, so we will be making life easier for those for whom staying in touch has become an important part of their everyday lives."

Emirates will retro-fit its Boeing 777 and A340 fleet over the next few years to provide these facilities in these aircraft.

"The international roaming charges by the telecom operators will apply in this case, which could be roughly $4 (Dh14.4) per minute," said an Emirates spokesperson.

"Neither Emirates nor the technology provider AeroMobile will make any money from this, and our objective is to extend services to our valued customers. Passengers could also use short messaging service (SMS) facilities instead of making calls."

Investments

The airline is investing $27 million (Dh100 million) to fit its fleet with the AeroMobile system, which ensures that passenger 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 fitted with the AeroMobile system and will be in operation shortly.

In the past 18 months Emirates and AeroMobile have worked closely with regulators and telecommunications providers across the globe, fully completing rigorous testing and certification processes, the airline said.

"The service will only be activated when the aircraft is at cruising altitude and the cabin crew will have full control over the system, including the ability to prevent voice calls at certain times such as during night flights," the statement said.

Have your say
What do you think about the new annoucement? Will it make your flight more or less enjoyable?

Imagine sitting next to someone who is talking away to glory when you are trying to catch up with some rest. Ouch, this is one innovation best left untried ! Personally, it is a thumbs down to the whole concept whoever wants to implement it.
Vidyashankar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 20, 2008, 17:16

This is not a good news. On long flights, I prefer to have my food and then sleep. Now I will be constantly disturbed by people blabbering away non stop on their mobile, not to mention those who shout at the top of their lungs while they talk that they actually dont need to use the mobile.
Sanjana
Bangalore,India
Posted: March 20, 2008, 17:09

Thanks and hats off to the Emirates Team for having this type of service. Though, you can be on the go always even during long flights, the airline industry should consider the pros and cons whereby there should be a place also for people who doesn't want to be disturbed during the flight.Hopefully, you can designed an aircraft that caters best for the welfare of all the passengers.
Gilbert
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 20, 2008, 16:53

This is indeed a vital service. Last Feb 4th I arrived Colombo from Dubai and in Sri Lanka local SMS service was frozen from midnight to 12 noon.
Shah
Colombo,Sri Lanka
Posted: March 20, 2008, 16:51

I left UAE after serving this airline for 19 years.After coming to Canda I changed many jobs and I never felt sad.But when I left EK, I almost wept as I was proud to work with this Airline. Emirates is the inspirator Airline of innovation in almost all the airline related fields whether it is inflight entertainment,communication or catering ,safety or cost cutting. If I get one more chance to serve this airline, I will certainly take it.
Babu
Brampton,Canada
Posted: March 20, 2008, 16:38

It's really a good thing to hear in between journey we can contact our loved ones at the same time 'if the conversation lays for sometime and the sound we use to speak can make disturb to co passengers. Anyway great news
Mahesh
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: March 20, 2008, 16:32

It is really convenient for passengers if they can use their mobile phones in-flight. However, it would also be practical for Emirates to designate areas where phone calls can be made, to avoid disturbing fellow passengers in their seats.
L.C.
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 20, 2008, 16:19

Just because such a service can be made available, doesn't mean it should. People seem to feel that when they are on their phones, they are alone and can talk as loudly as they want. Who wants to listen to other people's calls? Walking away is NOT an option!
Jill
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 20, 2008, 16:10

Hats off to Emirates for leading the way once again. However, i am concerned it may have adverse effects on fellow passengers, especially on overnight flights.
Paris
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 20, 2008, 16:04

Yack, Yack ........... just imagine the person in front on his mobile, the person sitting beside you ...... the one behind you ...... and while you can make calls, you will also receive calls.We can bid goodbye to peace in the air.
David
Doha,Qatar
Posted: March 20, 2008, 15:48

I can think of nothing worse than sitting next to someone who talks on their mobile phone for an entire flight.
Debbie
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 20, 2008, 15:14

It's very convenient for people who have to travel on long flights. Now people can contact their loved ones from the plane itself.
Ahmed
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: March 20, 2008, 14:38

Emirates has always been an airline that comes up with additional services for its customers. I believe it is very helpful for keeping in touch with family members. Hats off to the Emirates Team.
Sriharshaa Prabhakar
Doha,Qatar
Posted: March 20, 2008, 14:34

The worst news I've had in months. Email is more than adequate for in-flight communication. I envisage air rage as passengers on long-haul night flights are woken by inconsiderate mobile phone users.
Alexander Conway
London,UK
Posted: March 20, 2008, 14:20