Cellphone use on planes -- a practice that has been always been subject to restrictions -- may soon be a possibility, according to the head of a Canadian airline.
Robert Deluce, President and CEO of Porter Airlines would like the use of cellphones on planes to soon be an option for Canadian travellers.
"Telephone usage may be a different factor because we always strive to have passengers travel in comfort and any amount of chatter on phones might sort of work against that. But the use of BlackBerrys, particularly anything that allows text messaging, I think, really could be accommodated in the not too distant future," Deluce told CTV's Canada AM.
The fact that the status of the use of cellphones on planes is being debated may seem contrary to long-standing policies on the use of electronic devices.
Many understand that cellphone use is prohibited once an airplane is readying for takeoff because the use of electronic devices may interfere with the navigation system of the aircraft.
The interference is called EMI --- electro magnetic interference -- and it can be heard when a cell phone or PDA device such as a BlackBerry is transmitting near a phone or other electronic devices. However, according to Deluce, EMI is less of an issue now than it has been in the past.
"Today's airplanes, especially the Airbus and the Boeing and the Bombardier aircraft, all have shielding or protection built in so that the little bit of interference that you might get off of any kind of transmitter is really eliminated to the point where it's a non-issue," Deluce said.
"I don't think the regulations have caught up, but I think they soon will, with the fact that technology is certainly capable of allowing use of such transmitters."
However, regulations elsewhere in the world have started to address the issue of using cellphones on planes.
Last month, airplane manufacturer Airbus won approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency to install an on-board system for cell phones.
This system will allow passengers to make and receive calls and send and receive e-mails and text messages. However, the aircraft crew will have the ability to curtail the ability of people to talk on their phones while the plane is in flight to ensure the comfort level of all passengers is maintained. Airbus also plans to use a 'No Talk' sign indicating passengers are only to send text messages and e-mail.
The system will begin on short-haul flights in western Europe once pertinent certification is obtained.
The shift in stance over the issue in Europe is what Deluce would like to see in Canada, but he understands that there is a process that needs to be followed that includes testing and verification.
"I think that it's really a question now of manufacturers working with Transport Canada and perhaps with some airlines," Deluce said.
With files from The Associated Press
