The revitalized Airbus became the first aircraft maker to approve the use of cell phones onboard airplanes. According to a statement released by Airbus, passengers will be able to make and receive calls and send and receive e-mails and text messages once the system is in place.
U.S. regulators ban cell phone use aboard planes because of potential interference with the aircraft's electronics.
The Airbus service will first be available on single-aisle planes for short-haul flights in western Europe, following the granting of airworthiness certification.
The service has already been tested by a couple of European airlines.
"This certification is Airbus' first response to the growing market demand for on-board connectivity," Rainer von Borstel, Airbus senior vice president for cabin and cargo customization, said in the statement.
"It paves the way for the subsequent worldwide deployment of cell phone services and Internet based services across all airbus aircraft types," he added.
OnAir, a joint venture between Airbus and SITA, an information-technology company serving airlines, will act as the service provider for a range of connectivity services.
I won’t be surprised if we see more aviation companies to do that in the near future. People are getting less prepared to stay “offline” even for few hours and being able to use their mobiles will be a factor when they choose which company to fly with.