European plane maker Airbus has reported progress in plans to allow passengers to use mobile phones while in flight with a target date of 2006.

Test equipment aboard a plane demonstrated that mobile phones can be used without interfering with navigation systems.

The France-based company said mobile phones onboard were used to send and receive calls, while mobiles and fixed telephones were used on the ground.

Personal digital companions and other wireless devices were tested in a separate trial.

While falling fares drive simpler service on short flights, airlines competing on intercontinental routes are turning to innovations such as Internet access, flat beds and better music and video systems to distinguish their service.

(CRI.com September 17, 2004)