June 20, 2007 at 11:48 am · Authored by Ewan · Filed under Devices, Mobile, Operators

Link: Europe opens the door to in-flight phoning - International Herald Tribune

European regulators have cleared use of mobile phones and BlackBerry devices for passengers while flying, Airbus announced Tuesday.

Approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency means that, from September, passengers aboard Airbus aircraft outfitted with the OnAir system will be able to send and receive phone calls, SMS messages and e-mail messages while flying at altitudes above 3,000 meters, or 9,840 feet.

But the Cabin Crew and switch the system off when they want to. Good.