Delta Air Lines has ruled out allowing passengers to make mobile phone calls or "Internet-based voice communications" onboard its aircraft.
The carrier's CEO, Richard Anderson, announced Delta's stance following last week's vote by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to seek public comment in consideration of lifting its ban on in-flight mobile phone use.
In an email to staff, he said: "Our customer research and direct feedback tell us that our frequent flyers believe voice calls in the cabin would be a disruption to the travel experience.
"In fact, a clear majority of customers who responded to a 2012 survey said they felt the ability to make voice calls onboard would detract from – not enhance – their experience.
"Delta employees, particularly our in-flight crews, have told us definitively that they are not in favour of voice calls onboard."
Passengers on US airlines are now allowed to use portable electronic devices during take-off and landing, following a recent Federal Aviation Administration ruling (see news, November 1).
From today, British Airways passengers are able to use personal electronic devices during all phases of their flight (see news, December 18).
Graham Smith
