Ryanair, an Irish budget airline, said on Wednesday that it will begin to equip its entire fleet of airplanes next year with mobile phone service from communications firm OnAir, and customers will be able to place calls as well as send text and e-mail messages while aboard flights, the Associated Press reports via MSN Money.Ryanair plans to start the installation on half of its fleet in late 2007, and the remaining planes will get mobile service beginning in early 2008, according to the AP.The airline’s rates will “mirror international roaming charges,” and its customers will be able to employ their own phones and handhelds, the AP reports. Ryanair will share some of the profits OnAir derives from calls placed during flights, according to the AP.Michael O’Leary, Ryanair CEO, said cash generated via the mobile service will allow the airline to continue offering low prices for tickets, and that he expects the firm to double its current yearly number of fliers—approximately 40,000 annually—by the year 2012, the AP reports. Currently, 23 European countries are serviced by Ryanair’s 360 routes, according to the AP.Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content how-to How to create an effective business continuity plan A business continuity plan outlines procedures and instructions an organization must follow in the face of disaster, whether fire, flood, or cyberattack. Here’s how to create a plan that gives your business the best chance of surviving such an By Mary K. Pratt, Ed Tittel, Kim Lindros Dec 07, 2023 11 mins Small and Medium Business Small and Medium Business Small and Medium Business interview WestRock CIDO Amir Kazmi on building resiliency Multidimensional resiliency is vital to setting yourself, your teams, and your organization up for success. Kazmi sets the tone at WestRock by recognizing the pace of change, instilling a learning and growth mindset, and being transparent with his te By Dan Roberts Dec 07, 2023 8 mins IT Strategy Staff Management IT Leadership brandpost Sponsored by FPT Software Time for New Partnership Paradigms to Be Future-fit By Veronica Lew Dec 06, 2023 5 mins Vendors and Providers brandpost Sponsored by BMC Why CIOs should prioritize AIOps in 2024 AIOps empowers IT to manage services by incorporating AI/ML into operations. By Jeff Miller Dec 06, 2023 3 mins IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe