Mallya plans internet, mobile service on board

New Delhi: UB Group chief Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher Airlines wants to be the country’s first airline to allow use of mobile services on board. The airline has sought permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for offering inflight mobile services. Current DGCA rules do not permit use of mobile phones once the aircraft gets ready for take-off.
“We have made provisions in the new aircraft for all high-tech features. To provide mobile services, we have changed the configuration of the aircraft to allow use of cellphones in such a way that they do not interfere with navigation controls. Each mobile emits 100 watts of power, but the new technology incorporated in the aircraft will allow them to emit only 1 watt, which will allow all kind of seamless operations in the aircraft,” a Kingfisher Airline executive said.
The provision to use mobile phone on board is likely to be introduced in Kingfisher’s Bangalore-London flight planned for September 3. The airline also plans to offer internet connectivity on this flight.
Dr Mallya’s plans for Kingfisher’s international operations include an array of luxurious offerings for high-end customers. These include flat-bed massage seats, stand-up bars, and availability of chefs for serving gourmet meals.
16/08/08 Chanchal Pal Chauhan & Nirbhay Kumar/Economic Times

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Categories: Foreign Aug 2008, Kingfisher Aug 2008, New Aug 2008