29 May 2008
A number of airliners are testing the use of mobile phones in-flight, according to a new poll.
The survey by Times Online Travel found that just one operator has banned such usage, while at least five are trialling such a procedure.
At present, Emirates, SAS, Bmi, Ryanair and Air France have chosen to allow passengers to talk on the phone while planes are in the air.
But Qatar Airways has gone in the other direction and ended proposals to follow suit after travellers said that they are in not in favour of the introduction of the relevant technology.
Chief Executive at the company Akbar al Baker stated that 80% of passengers do not want to see the development take place.
"We have decided not to allow mobile calls on planes for a very simple reason - comfort. We don't want people to start speaking loudly ... I am sure other airlines will introduce it but in time they will turn it off," he told the paper.
Ofcom gave its approval for the use of mobile telephones on planes in March.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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