Air France to test in-air cellular service

Air France has announced that it will be testing airborne cellular service next year. Initially passengers will be able to use their phones only for messaging and emails, but will later be allowed to make actual phone calls. The six month trial will be conducted on a new Airbus A318 plane equipped with the OnAir mobile phone system.

AirFrance intends to run trial between March and September 2007. The airline said it will decide whether or not to continue service to other planes after reviewing passenger questionaires from the first test plane.

It is unclear at this time how much AirFrance will charge for its cellular service.