Travel News | Travel Advice

The Carribenan Islands of St Vincent and the Gernadines are to become more accessible thanks to the opening of a new airport. The airport, named Argle International, is due to replace the ET Joshua Airport by the end of 2011 at a cost of US $217 million. It will be the largest and most expensive project in the islands’ history and will occupy 375 acres of land on the eastern cost of St Vincent.

It is expected the airport will enable to 32 island nation to welcome direct flights from the USA and Canada and other international gateways, and will feature a 9000ft (2743m) runway and a 58,820 sq foot terminal. ET Joshua airport is currently limited to local island flights by regional airlines.

A recent arrival at London Heathrow (07th Aug 2008) was no ordinary Boeing 777. The Emirates aircraft was equipped with the AeroMobile system, which allows passengers to safely make and receive calls and text messages during the flight. According to Emirates these were the first ever authorised in-flight mobile phone calls on a commercial airliner flying into the UK.

During the 7 hour flight from Dubai about 20% of passengers switched on their mobiles to use the system. Over 30 calls were made and almost 100 text messages were sent or received.

How does it work?

The AeroMobile system reduces the signal strength of the phone to the absolute minimum (around 1000th of the usual strength). This ensures there is no interference to the onboard equipment.

Emirates have this system installed in 13 of its aircraft, which have previously flown to destinations in Asia, the Middle East and continental Europe. Meanwhile in an effort to reduce overall weight of its aircraft (ultimately reducing fuel costs) the airline has removed footrests from its economy class. The airline is also planning to remove all in flight magazines – though some will be converted for use via the in-flight entertainment system.