EVA Air has announced plans to provide in-flight mobile and WiFi communications aboard its brand new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Approved by Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration, this new service will be made available on the new aircraft in 2014, making EVA Air the first airline in Taiwan to secure approval for its passengers to make mobile phone calls and use WiFi in-flight.

The seven Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, ordered in May 2012, will be equipped with the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and a GCS (Global Communications Suite), making them the first aircraft of their kind to combine both technologies on assembly.

Approved by Taiwan’s National Communications Commission, EVA Air will operate its GCS on an independent frequency which will not interfere with flight navigations communications or jeopardise flight safety.

The GCS service will enable passengers to make mobile phone calls, browse the internet and use their own personal, WiFi-enabled mobile phones, tablets or laptops to read and send e-mails from the comfort of their own seats.

EVA Air executive vice president for public relations, Mr Nieh, commented: “The Panasonic eX3 is a new and upgraded in-flight entertainment system that provides our passengers with a more user-friendly and visually inviting environment, complete with a high definition screen for watching films and feature programmes.

“It will be available to all our passengers, regardless of which cabin they book – Economy, Elite and Royal Laurel classes.”