Malaysia Airlines allows in-flight mobile calls
Postpaid customers of Malaysia's mobile operator Maxis Communications (Maxis) may now safely use their mobile phones and BlackBerry-type devices on Malaysia Airlines aircraft.
Maxis chief marketing officer Matthew Willsher says the new service is a result of a partnership with Malaysia Airlines and UK in-flight mobile phone operator, AeroMobile. "With this partnership, Maxis postpaid subscribers will be able to use their mobile devices to perform essential communications while travelling on Malaysia Airlines flights. The ultimate aim of this partnership is for Maxis, Malaysia Airlines and AeroMobile--all leaders in their respective industries--to leverage on each other's strengths to bring more value to our customers."
"Maxis postpaid customers will also be able to make and receive voice calls at RM15 (US$4) per minute; or send or receive data at RM100 (US$27) per MB," adds Willsher. "SMS messages are charged at RM3 (US$0.80) each. Receiving SMS messages is free of charge. These rates are comparable to those charged globally for this service. Maxis anticipates that as the service develops, rates will progressively decrease. Maxis postpaid customers will be billed on their regular monthly phone bills as with any other international roaming call."
The Maxis Group currently operates in three key Asian markets--Malaysia, India and Indonesia--with a 5,000 strong workforce collectively serving over 30 million customers and offering a comprehensive range of communications services, including mobile and fixed line telecommunications, value-added data and content services, wireless and fixed line broadband services and international gateway services.
AeroMobile is a UK-based company owned by ARINC Inc and Telenor ASA. It has been pursuing the objective of allowing the safe use of passengers own mobile phones and PDAs since 2003 in response to market demands.
Preference for data usage in the air
"Current AeroMobile usage patterns on Malaysia Airlines indicate that there is a preference for texting and data usage among frequent travelers and business travellers," said Willsher. "So, as an introductory promotion, Maxis is offering SMS at RM2 (US$0.54) per SMS from now until 15 April."
"Services are available on one Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200 aircraft, which serves flights covering selected European routes, Australia, and across the Asian region, including China and Japan," he said. "Passengers wanting to use the service during the flight will be provided with a list of guidelines, including a request for them to switch their phones to silent mode during the flight, so as to not inconvenience other passengers."
