To speak or not to speak (Image: Getty Images)

The majority of airline passengers do not wish to have voice calls permitted during flights, a recent survey has revealed.

Of the 710 respondents in a Corporate Traveller poll, 88 percent said cell phones should only be used for silent activities such as texting, emailing and internet surfing.

Despite this sentiment, airlines around the world continue to allow and develop in-flight calling capabilities.

“Foreign airlines servicing parts of Europe and the Middle East have been allowing onboard voice calls for years,” Corporate Traveller marketing manager Jerome Bamminger said.

“As a business travel specialist we know that many of our clients who travel frequently for business are looking for some quiet time when they’re on a flight.”

Earlier this month, Emirates began offering in-flight communications services for cell phone users aboard its A380 aircraft.

Elsewhere, since May, passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic between London and New York on the airline’s new A330 aircraft have been able to use their mobile phones for voice calls.