bmi, the second largest airline at Heathrow, is to test an inflight communications service on flights between London Heathrow and Moscow.
For the first time, passengers flying on a British airline will be able to use SMS-enabled mobile phones, PDAs and laptops fitted with GSM data cards during their flight.
“We are delighted to be working with OnAir to make this service available to customers. It opens up an exciting new era of travellers being able to stay in touch by text message and email whilst in the air...,” said bmi managing director, Peter Spencer.
A single Airbus A320 will trial the service for six months, following the granting of telecommunications regulatory approval by Ofcom.
bmi has decided not to offer voice calls at this stage, perhaps due to concerns about noise pollution and disruption caused to other passengers.
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