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Air France has become the first airline to allow in-flight use of mobile phones on its international flights as part of a new trial scheme.

The controversial Mobile OnAir system will allow passengers aboard one of the airline's Airbus A318 planes to send and receive SMS and MMS messages as well as using Internet services.

During the second phase of the trial, passengers will also be allowed to make and receive phone calls - though the French national carrier has emphasised its commitment to ensuring a balance is struck between convenience and customer well-being.

The airline plans to examine feedback in six months time before making a decision over whether to extend the scheme, with many consumer groups voicing concerns over a possible surge in the number of air-rage incidents due to incessant ringtones.

Patrick Roux, the executive vice president of marketing at Air France, summed up the airline's stance by saying: 'We are seizing every opportunity to offer customers the latest technological innovations, while continuing to make their travel comfort and well-being our main priority.'

The Mobile OnAir received approval from the EU in September and will shortly be trialed on two other airlines, bmi and the Portuguese carrier TAP.

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