Emirates offers the world's first inflight mobile phone service onboard an A380 aircraft; setting yet another record for inflight communications. In partnership with Emirates connectivity partner, OnAir, passengers aboard Emirates' A380 aircraft will have chance to stay in touch via phone calls or through the mobile data link on their personal devices with their family, friends and colleagues while inflight. The service is in addition to the OnAir WiFi service already available on Emirates A380 aircraft.

Emirates has long set the industry standard for the latest inflight innovations and connectivity; including:
1993: First airline to equip entire Airbus fleet with in-flight phones.
1994: First airline to equip entire Airbus fleet with in-flight fax machines.
2003: First airline to offer live BBC text news headlines on its aircraft.
2006: Personal in-seat email and SMS installed throughout the fleet, in all classes.
2008: First airline to offer onboard mobile telephone services in collaboration.
2011: Emirates launches Wi-Fi internet access on A380 in conjunction with OnAir
 
The OnAir system allows passengers to use their own mobile phones to make and receive phone calls and text messages from Emirates A380 aircraft inflight, just as they would on the ground, using EDGE/GPRS connections through their mobile service provider. Emirates first A380 equipped with the full suite of OnAir connectivity departed from Dubai international Airport to Munich International Airport on October 2.
 
However, Emirates obeys the regulations of local government and thus the new mobile phone service will not be applicable to all countries due to technology and varying government regulations.

"Our goal on every flight is to exceed our passengers' expectations. We believe that exceeding expectations should not only apply to our Cabin Crew's award-winning inflight service and our SKYTRAX 'World's Best Airline Inflight Entertainment' ice system, but also to our passengers' desire to stay in touch while travelling," said Patrick Brannelly, Emirates Vice President Corporate Communications Product, Publishing, Digital and Events.

"Beginning in 1993 with first passenger satellite phone service to last year with our A380 Wi-Fi system, Emirates has always taken the approach that providing the latest in inflight service and connectivity is a key part of our passengers' journey. Emirates continues to invest in the most innovative technology possible and promises to keep pushing the boundaries of the inflight innovation for the benefit of our passengers."
 
On Oct. 1th, Emirates took delivery of its 24th and 25th Airbus A380 in single day. With 25 A380 aircraft now in its fleet, Emirates is the largest A380 operator worldwide and with 90 jets on firm order by far the largest A380 customer. Emirates has now carried more than 10 million passengers flying more than 150 million kilometres  since the double decker was introduced to its fleet in August 2008. The airline's A380 operations is supported by more than 3,000 dedicated cabin crew and Emirates' state-of-the-art facilities at Dubai International Airport will soon be augmented by the opening of the world's first dedicated A380 terminal early next year.

The OnAir mobile system will be available on all future A380 deliveries and will be retro-fit to Emirates current fleet of 25 A380 aircraft. For more information about Emirates' inflight communication, see: http://www.emirates.com/english/flying/staying_connected/staying_connected.aspx .
 
About Emirates

Emirates, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, has received more than 500 international awards and accolades for excellence. Emirates flies to 126 destinations in 74 countries across six continents and is the world's largest airline in available seat kilometres. Operating 186 wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including an industry leading 25 A380s, Emirates has orders for an additional 216 aircraft, worth more than US$624 billion. For more information please visit www.emirates.com.

About OnAir

OnAir provides industry-leading, on-board connectivity solutions that enable passengers to stay connected while they travel, and airlines and shipping lines to differentiate themselves through offering distinct services to customers. Present aboard airlines on five continents, OnAir provides the only air-travel industry sponsored solution for commercial airlines, private and corporate jets, Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and for long and short-haul flights. OnAir is the first provider of services based on SwiftBroadband, the latest high-bandwidth satellite technology from Inmarsat, which offers GSM, Mobile Data and Internet.  Today OnAir has 37 customers, of which 20 are currently in service, including 12 airlines. The company also has regulatory approvals from 77 countries and roaming agreements covering more than 2.2 billion GSM subscribers. More information about OnAir is available at www.onair.aero.

Contributed by Emirates