Irish low-fare carrier Ryanair launched in-flight mobile phone service on 20 mainly Dublin-based aircraft, using the OnAir telephony system.

Passengers can make and receive voice calls at non–EU international roaming rates (£1.50 to £3 per minute) text messages (40 pence+) and email (£1 to £2) using their mobile phones, BlackBerrys and other smartphones, Ryanair said. Price tariffs are set by mobile service providers and subject to the customer’s individual price plan.

The Feb. 19 launch was described as the first step in fitting Ryanair’s fleet of 170 aircraft with in-flight phone service over the next 18  months.