Mobile Calls on Emirates

Dubai-based airline Emirates has become the first commercial airline to allow passengers to make mobile phone calls during flights. The aircraft, an Airbus A340, is fitted with a system which stops mobiles from interfering with a plane's electronics. Right now, the service is limited to regular cellphone calls and text messages, with BlackBerry and other data services (like iPhone) expected to be available later in the year.

The mobile service will only be activated when the aircraft is at cruising altitude and the cabin crew will be able to monitor and control the use of the system. Passengers will also be requested to keep their phones on "silent" mode, said the airline.

We certainly had came a long way for mobile services to be made available as I m sure many factors had to be taken into account including safety being the paramount. While its a great idea to have this service on board, i m concern about how the airline will monitor and control the system. Aircraft is probably the only safe haven from mobile phone calls and they really have to make sure that such services are not causing too much inconveniences to the other passengers.