One of AsiaÂ's leading (and the largest) low cost airline, AirAsia will be the first airline in Asia to deploy in-flight mobile communications services as announced at the Paris Air Show. The service, to be deployed across the entire AirAsia fleet, will enable passengers to use their mobile phones and BlackBerry-type devices to send and receive SMS text messages, emails, and to make and receive mobile phone calls during flight. The OnAir services will be introduced by Air Asia in early 2009.

AirAsiaÂ's entire fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft will be fitted with the OnAir equipment, including aircraft currently flying and those on order from Airbus. A total of 150 aircraft will be equipped by 2013. AirAsia X, the latest long haul low cost airline have also signed a similar agreement for a minimum of 15 A300-300 aircraft ordered from Airbus.

DatoÂ' Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia, said, Â"We have worked very hard to strengthen our network and enhanced connectivity in the ASEAN region, and we are now working equally hard to improve the services we offer our guests. We firmly believe that offering them the ability to communicate during flight is vital in this era of information technology.Â"