Boeing has announced it will fit its planes with new features such as live television and the ability for passengers to make mobile phone calls as well as use the internet.

The aerospace giant will offer the options on its new 787 Dreamliner and flagship 747-8 Intercontinental planes as soon as 2013.

The systems will be installed at the construction phase, allowing the planes to support the use of mobile phones, live television, Wi-Fi and internet access via the in-flight entertainment unit.

The planes should also support wireless streaming media by 2014.

While some airlines already offer mobile phone services, live TV and Wi-Fi, the move by Boeing will make it harder for passengers to escape them.

Mike Sinnett, Chief engineer of Aeroplane Systems for Boeing, said the move was a response to passenger demand.

"Passengers want the option of staying connected to e-mail and the internet and other online offerings when flying," Mr Sinnett said.

"We've looked across the industry and are partnering with several connectivity system providers across our family of aeroplanes."

However, mobile phone use in the skies has been the topic of much debate over recent years, with fears it could interfere with a plane's electronics.

Whether or not passengers will actually be able to make calls will be up to the airlines and the governments to decide.

If passengers will welcome the sound of ringing phones and the constant chatter of fellow passengers is another matter.

In May, Virgin Atlantic allowed passengers on its Airbus A330 jets on its London to New York to make phone calls via a system that worked like a telecoms base. This is despite other airlines -- including Lufthansa and Qatar Airways -- quickly dropping the service after being swamped by passenger complaints.

Qantas also scotched the idea after a 2007 trial when research showed passengers were against it.

"While our customer research shows passengers are keen on connectivity such as the internet, they're not so keen to be sitting next to someone nattering on their phone on a long-haul flight," a Qantas spokesperson said.

When Qatar Airways added mid-air call ability in 2009 more than 80 percent of passengers voted against the system because it disturbed their sleep and comfort.