Joachim Taube, CEO of Aviation Center Cologne, said, “Business jet owners and passengers want convenience and part of that is the ability to remain in touch when they are flying. OnAir’s technology enables them to use their own mobile phones and PDAs, just like anywhere on the ground.”

The OnAir service replaces the existing in-seat phones. The key advantages are that it enables passengers to use their own devices to access a wider range of services, including email, SMS and the contact list stored in the phone. It also removes the need for a separate phone number when onboard and instead passengers can be reached on their normal number as if they were on the ground.

OnAir also simplifies operational management because passengers use their own phones and are billed through their home mobile provider, meaning there is no need to invoice aircraft customers separately for their onboard communications. Other airlines that have agreements with OnAir are
AirAsia, AirAsiaX, Jazeera Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, Oman Air and Royal Jordanian. OnAir also has agreements with Jet Aviation and Airbus Corporate Jetliners.

To use the service, you must have a cell phone plan that support roaming service. Simply dial the international prefix (+) or 00 + country code + number (without the 0) you will good to go. Up to 12 simultaneous calls are possible per picocell network, as well as unlimited text messages and emails

Depending on the feedback received, Air France will then decide whether to launch this service on all its flights.