My colleague went to see O'Leary strut his stuff, and this is what he said...
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020330,39282036,00.htm
"Ryanair plans to allow passengers mobile access to voice and text communications on all of its flights from the middle of 2007.
The budget airline announced on Wednesday that it will partner with OnAir, an Airbus and Sita joint in-flight communications venture, which plans to fit the entire Ryanair fleet with technology called Mobile OnAir. Initially fifty aircraft will be equipped by mid-2007, with further installations following.
"There's clearly a trial element, but we don't have any concerns that people won't use it," said Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, at a press briefing in London. "If it doesn't work, clearly it'll come off the aircraft," O'Leary added.
Passengers will be charged to make and receive voice calls and SMS messages via satellite broadband links, and to use push email such as BlackBerry. The connection between the plane and ground is carried by satellite operator Inmarsat.
When asked about the cost of the service, Ryanair said that it would "mirror" international roaming charges, even on national flights. These roaming rates can vary wildly between operators and countries. Ryanair will charge operators a commission on call revenues..."
More on the site. Air France, BMI and TAP are also in the frame for trials next year.
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