Libyan Airlines will be the first African airline to offer inflight mobile phone calls and internet access, when its new A320 aircraft are delivered in 2010.
The airline has ordered a new fleet of Airbus A320s, which will be installed with Mobile OnAir technology to allow passengers to make and receive phone-calls, send and receive text messages and emails, and access the internet, using mobile phones and PDAs.
The seven new A320 aircraft, due to start flying next year, will serve routes to Europe and the Middle East, with the exact destinations yet to be announced. Libyan Airlines operated flights into the UK are currently served by Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft.
Mohamed M. Ibsem, chief executive at Libyan Airlines said: “Aboard these brand new Libyan Airlines aircraft, our passengers will be able to stay in touch with colleagues, family and friends while they travel.”
Libyan Airlines flies from Tripoli (TIP), Libya, to Manchester (MAN) and London Heathrow (LHR) in the UK, and mainly codeshares with Afriqiyah Airways on flights into London Gatwick (one flight per week is operated by Libyan Airlines).
Mobile OnAir is currently available on more than 8,000 flights worldwide each month, with a growing number of airlines installing the technology.
Visit in.aero, onair.aero
Report by Sara Turner
