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Now admittedly there is not much to do on a Ryanair flight (come on it's a no-frills airline - you wasn't expecting an in-flight movie) but at least you won't have to switch off your mobile in flight. According to news reports, the airline is to allow passengers to make and receive mobile phone calls within weeks.
Ryanair deputy chief executive Howard Millar told the Daily Telegraph that 10 of the company's planes have already been equiped with technologywith further palns to expand this to another 50.
Millar said that call charges will be similar to those for international roaming (i.e. expensive). At present the scheme is limited to O2 and 3 network customers, but others are expected to join in.
"I believe the main demand will be for texting," Mr Millar told the paper. "We are also looking at selling mobile phone top ups."
However, passengers will still not be able to make calls when the plane is taking off and landing, only when the plane is at a cruising altitude.
The planes have been fitted with a small telephone mast meaning that the phone signals do not have to be too powerful to interfere with the plane's electronics. At present only six passengers will be able to make and receive calls at any one time. Others trying to make a call with hear a "network busy" sound.
Other airlines, such as Dubai-based Emirates, have allowed passengers to make calls since July. Airlines still have to seek approval from European Aviation Safety Agency as well as telecommunications regulators before offering the service.
