NEW DELHI: Air China has launched its first in-flight live television broadcast by streaming pictures showing Beijing’s huge military parade that marked the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The live broadcast was shown on the Air China aircraft's TV screens as well as on passengers' mobiles.

Passengers were able to watch the live broadcast thanks to the satellite TV service provided on the flight, or on their own mobile devices, including tablets and smart phones, which were connected to the plane’s entertainment system, China News Service reported.

Air China said it hoped to mark the occasion with live streaming of the parade to symbolise the “end of an era” when Chinese airlines were unable to broadcast live television.

In partnership with the China’s civil aviation authority, government broadcasting authorities and satellite networks, Air China said it has carried out research and testing for more than a year before making the breakthrough with its in-flight broadcast equipment.

The airline said that in the future passengers would be able to access state TV broadcasts and a variety of provincial-level TV shows on flights.

Many airlines abroad, including those in Europe and the US, have been offering live TV broadcasts streamed via satellite TV, satellite and in-flight Wi-fi for several years.