Call and send text messages from your mobile phone and use the Internet during flights. Coming soon in Shenzhen, China

Shenzhen Airlines passengers will soon be able to use their mobile phones and connect to the Internet during flights. Swiss-based technology firm OnAir, which is providing the service, will allow travelers to call and send text messages from their mobile phones and access the Internet on laptops during flights. The company aimed to set up the service on the airline, which is based in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, by mid-2009. They hope three demonstrator aircraft will be in use by the Beijing Olympics next year. Shenzhen will be the first Chinese airline to offer the service. OnAir has previously signed deals with various European and Asian airlines that want to carry the technology. Airlines have previously provided onboard air-to-ground fixed telephones on some seats at a premium charge. But until now they have banned the use of mobiles.