‘EARTH CALLING’ - VIRGIN ATLANTIC INTRODUCES NEW PHONE TECHNOLOGY ONBOARD

Today Virgin Atlantic Airways becomes the first airline to enable passengers to receive calls via their mobile number whilst in flight. In addition to this service, Virgin is developing a new flight entertainment system which will enable passengers to send and receive email, use the intranet and internet and enjoy over 200 hours of digital Video on-demand entertainment.

Branded ‘Earth Calling’, the new phone service has been developed by BT under the title ‘Mobile Connect’. It allows passengers to charge their air-to-ground calls to their GSM account and it will also allow passengers to receive their mobile calls whilst in flight. GSM mobile phone operators have signed up to this service and will issue Mobile Connect Cards to their subscribers. After boarding the aircraft passengers simply swipe their card through the aircraft handset and dial a registration number. Callers on the ground just dial the normal mobile number and pays only for the normal ground call.

William Peltola, Head of BT Aeronautical, said:

“Skyphone Mobile Connect is a major breakthrough that enables passengers to make and receive calls via their cellular network while in flight.”

Virgin Atlantic is also catering for passengers who want to forget the stresses of the office by upgrading its Inflight Entertainment system. The digital system manufactured by Matsushita Avionics Corporation will make its debut on the new fleet of A340-600 aircraft due to be delivered by 2002. The new system will provide passengers with over 200 hours of digital Video on-demand entertainment on their individual seat back screens with the highest resolution onboard to date. This system will also provide the facilities available to create a modern business environment.

Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways, said:

“We have always led the way with inflight technology and entertainment and we remain committed to delivering the best for our passengers. Today’s Virgin passenger is guaranteed the most relaxing, entertaining and enjoyable flight ever!

“However, if they prefer to get straight down to business, state-of-the-art office facilities are available. In another first for Virgin, we will be providing the ‘Earth Calling’ service. The new phone facilities means business passengers can use the planes as a mobile office more effectively – able to stay in touch with people on the ground via the phone, email and internet.”