Customers on selected Air France-KLM flights can now be able to send text messages, check emails and browse the internet, thanks to a partnership with AeroMobile, the leading inflight mobile phone operator.

The Dutch-French airline will launch the service on two flights today; a KLM flight from Amsterdam to Panama and an Air France flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle to New York JFK. The service will initially be available on two Boeing B777-300 aircraft.

AeroMobile provides the mobile network for airline passengers to roam inflight using their own mobile devices, just as they would abroad.

Passengers on Air France-KLM flights will initially be able to use SMS and data services from the aircraft, as long as their mobile operator has a roaming agreement with AeroMobile.

AeroMobile has agreements with over 220 mobile phone operators across 100 countries, including Orange and Bouygues in France and Telfort, KPN and Vodafone in the Netherlands. UK-based roaming partners include O2, Three and Vodafone.

Passengers who use the service will be billed by their mobile phone operator, and prices vary depending on individual contracts. Prices are typically similar to ‘rest of world’ rates, or in some cases, lower.

“We’re delighted to add Air France-KLM to the list of high-profile airlines already offering the AeroMobile service to their passengers,” said Kevin Rogers, CEO of AeroMobile.

“Since we launched in 2008, over 17 million passengers have connected to AeroMobile inflight and we’re seeing huge demand from consumers who want to stay connected, whether it’s to keep on top of emails or update a friend or relative by text message. SMS and mobile data are by far the most popular services on European routes,” continues Rogers.