First mobile phone service on the A380 aircraft

Emirates is offering the world’s first in-flight mobile phone service onboard an A380 aircraft; setting yet another record for in-flight communications.

In partnership with Emirates connectivity partner, OnAir, passengers aboard Emirates’ A380 aircraft will now be able to stay in touch via phone calls or through the mobile data link on their personal devices with their family, friends and colleagues while in-flight. The service is in addition to the OnAir WiFi service already available on Emirates A380 aircraft.

The OnAir system allows passen- gers to use their own mobile phones to make and receive phone calls and text messages from Emirates A380 aircraft in-flight, just as they would on the ground, using EDGE/GPRS connections through their mobile service provider.

“We believe that exceeding expectations should not only apply to our Cabin Crew’s awardwinning in-flight service and our SKYTRAX ‘World’s Best Airline In-flight Entertainment’ ice system, but also to our passenger’s desire to stay in touch while travelling,” said Patrick Brannelly, Emirates Vice President Corporate Communications Product, Publishing, Digital and Events.

Emirates is the largest A380 operator in the world and has now carried more than 10 million passengers since the double-decker was introduced to its fleet in August 2008. The OnAir mobile system will be available on all future A380 deliveries and will be retro-fit to Emirates current fleet of 25 A380 aircraft.

Emirates operates flights on a daily schedule from Malta to Dubai via Larnaka, Cyprus on an Airbus A340-300.