Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. team up (idiom) [teem] [uhp] – to work
together with another person or group
Example: Businessmen and
politicians must team up to solve the
country’s economic problems.
2. portable (adj.) [pawr-tuh-buhl] – something
that can easily be moved, transported or carried, usually by hand
Example: It is very
convenient to have portable gadgets
when travelling.
3. activate (v.) [ak-tuh-veyt] – to cause
something to function or be active
Example: You need to activate the machine to make it work.
4. rely (v.) [ri-lahy] – to depend on
someone or something
Example: Because I am still a
student, I rely on my parents for
financial support.
Article
Read
the text below.
Voice calls may soon be available in every flight as more
airlines team up inflight
communication solution providers to allow passengers to make phone calls in the
air.
Some airlines, like British and Qatar Airways, still limit
communication only through text and email. But a number of airlines including
Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, and TAP Air Portugal are already using technology that allows both
voice and text communication on particular flights.
Companies, like OnAir and Aeromobile, use
picocell technology to enable safe communication through mobile phones, laptops
and other portable devices. In addition,
these companies provide airlines with an option to activate both
text communication and voice calls during a flight.
In contrary, in-flight voice calling has been a controversial
issue in America. In fact, US lawmakers are seeking to ban it.
Meanwhile, some airline companies are still undecided on whether
to adopt such technology or not. They said that their decision would
mostly rely on the
feedbacks of their passengers.
As of today, major airlines Lufthansa, Qantas, SAS, and TAM
(Brazil) have signed contracts with different inflight communication solution
providers to avail of the said service.
Viewpoint
Discussion
Enjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
What
do you think are the risks of in-flight voice calls during flights?
·
What
are the advantages of allowing voice calls during a flight?
Discussion
B
·
What are the some of the dangers passengers
face when travelling by plane?
·
What are ways airlines can ensure the
passengers’ safety?
