European aeronautics giant Airbus SAS signed a deal Tuesday that will give customers of its new superjumbo A380 planes the option of installing voice and data systems that will let passengers make calls using their own cell phones.

Airbus's deal is with Geneva-based OnAir, a newly formed joint venture between Airbus and Netherlands-based I.T. company SITA Information Networking Computing.

But, U.S. approval is not likely for some time: The Federal Communications Commission  is concerned that cell phone use in an airplane might interfere with cell phone use on the ground, while the Federal Aviation Administration worries that airborne cell phone calls could interfere with a plane's navigation and electrical systems.

OnAir believes it is close to getting European approval from telecom regulators, though Airbus will need more time to get aircraft certification.

OnAir hopes to keep prices competitive, with international calls at $2.00 to $2.50 per minute. A text message should cost about 50 cents to send or receive.

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