Qantas Airways has announced it will use new technology on its domestic aircraft from late 2008 allowing passengers to send and receive email and SMS via mobile phones or personal electronic devices, including laptops.

The airline partnered with AeroMobile which has developed the technology allowing mobiles to be used safely in-flight without interference to aircraft systems or the ground communication network.

“The evaluation of this new technology was a great success,” said Qantas executive general manager, John Borghetti. “An overwhelming majority of passengers indicated they wanted access to in-flight connectivity on an ongoing basis.”

Qantas has also been working alongside the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Australian Communications and Media Authority and other agencies to ensure the system operates in accordance with Australian regulatory and legal requirements.

Borghetti added, “Customers wanting to send or receive an SMS will require only a GSM phone and global roaming account, while customers wanting to send or receive emails will need a GPRS enabled device such as a Blackberry or an appropriately equipped laptop.

“This next-generation technology will allow them to use their in-flight time more effectively.”

It will initially be installed on a number of domestic Boeing 767-300 and Airbus 330-200 aircraft.