Emirates has offered the world’s first inflight mobile phone service on-board an A380 aircraft; setting yet another record for inflight communications. In partnership with Emirates connectivity partner, OnAir, passengers aboard Emirates’ A380 aircraft will now be able 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.

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 using EDGE/GPRS connections through their mobile service provider. The first recorded A380 inflight call was placed to China while the aircraft cruised at 11,500 metres (34,500 feet) flying across the Gulf.

“Our goal on every flight is to exceed our passenger’s’ 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 passenger’s desire to stay in touch while travelling,” said Khalid Bel Jaflah, Emirates Vice President for East Africa region.

He continued: “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."

First In-flight communication system

The airline has long set the industry standard for the latest inflight innovations and connectivity; including: in 1993 Emirates became the first airline to equip entire Airbus fleet with in-flight phones. It was also the first airline to equip entire Airbus fleet with in-flight fax machines in 1994, the first airline to offer live BBC text news headlines on its aircraft in 2003, and the first airline to offer onboard mobile telephone services in 2008 . Emirates also installed personal in-seat email and SMS throughout the fleet and in all classes in 2006 and launched Wi-Fi internet access on A380 in conjunction with OnAir in 2011.

Emirates flies out Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport twice every day connecting passengers from East Africa to the rest of the world through the Airline's hub in Dubai.