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A number of peoples’ worst fears are coming true: Cellphones will be legal on selected Air France flights. Using technology from OnAir, AirFrance will outfit a single Airbus 318, set for delivery in March 2007, with equipment allowing customers to use their phones in flight.

In essence OnAir’s technology emulates a mobile network inside an aircraft. The specially designed pico-cell system, for instance, allows mobile devices to operate at lower transmission power and thus eliminate interference with other radio systems, according to the company’s website. The system also ensures that phones on board can’t attempt to log on to terrestrial networks.
[…]
To determine demand, the French airlines will ask all passengers using the service to complete a questionnaire. Depending on their response, the company will decide how many additional aircraft will offer the service. Details about pricing were not available.

Plans for the OnAir system are on deck to be retrofitted on existing aircraft for British carrier BMI and Portugal’s TAP.

In the U.S., public opposition to cellphones in flight is fairly strong, but Europe looks like it may go the other way.

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tags: travel | air travel | inflight cellphones | Air France