[Satellite TODAY Insider 09-13-11] In an announcement that boasted OnAir’s efforts to expand its North American operations and its appointment of Richard Nordstrom as the region’s managing director, OnAir CEO Ian Dawkins expressed frustration over the United States’ lack of progress in allowing in-flight mobile phone services to domestic and international passengers.

   Dawkins hinted that Nordstrom could lead a charge to bring U.S. in-flight mobile phone services up to speed. “I very much hope the United States will soon catch up with the rest of the world and allow in-flight mobile phone services. The U.S. position is making them less competitive with fast growing international airlines outside the United States,” Dawkins said in the announcement.

   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulate the use of mobile phones on aircraft. Both agencies have expressed safety concerns for both the cell networks and airplanes when terrestrial cell phones are used in flight. Because cell phones emit radio signals, government agencies worry that they can interfere with sensitive aviation electronics like communications equipment or the navigation system, which rely on radio signals.

   Dawkins, however, sees no reason for concern. “Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir are offered by 12 airlines, operating from six continents, and we haven’t seen a single problem arising from people using their phones,” he said.

   While the issue of in-flight cell phone safety has remained in question for the past two decades, the U.S. government decided to continue its ban on in-flight mobile phone use in 2007. At the time, the FAA said in a statement that it was, “reacting to public fears that the signals given off by cell phone might interfere with plane controls.” In the United Kingdom, the British Civil Aviation Authority said it found up to 20 incidents where aircraft malfunction was related to mobile phone use between 2000 and 2005.

   Nordstrom, who was named to his new position Sept. 12, previously served as sales and marketing director for Boeing’s Connexion service and as a strategic consultant to satellites providers for the aviation market. He joins the company at a crucial time, following OnAir’s recent successes in the international markets.

   Dawkins previously told Satellite TODAY Insider that industry analysts should expect more international in-flight deals to drive significant revenue increases for the company in 2011. "As more and more aircraft will be equipped and enter into service, revenues will also logically increase. We currently have 14 airlines in service and are expecting another six to launch by the end of the year,” he said. “This year will be the tipping point for airlines offering these services. We are witnessing a number of requests for information or proposals being made.”