Ryanair will start testing in-flight mobile and Blackberry services on 25 aircraft in its fleet during the spring.

Chief executive Michael O’Leary said earlier this week: “In-flight mobile phone services will be tested on 25 aircraft – subject to regulatory approval - during the April-June quarter and we are optimistic that passengers will quickly adopt this service to make/receive calls and texts on their mobile phones and BlackBerries.”

The airline will use technology from OnAir to provide its services. The company says that it will charge normal international roaming rates for onboard usage. Ryanair hopes the installation will further drive up revenues it gains from on-board services.