MUMBAI: Viewers can stay in constant touch with the latest news as BBC World will beam real-time live programmes to passengers onboard later this year. The first carrier to offer BBC World as a live global channel will be Singapore Airlines.

According to BBC release, it's the first time that the BBC's commercially funded news and information channel has been seen on airplanes in this way. It has been made possible through the award-winning high-speed mobile Internet service offered to airlines by Connexion connection.

BBC World will be accessible to passengers through their laptops, as it is transmitted, meaning that - just as when at they are at home or work - they can see comprehensive, award-winning hourly news bulletins, and a full range of current affairs, documentary and lifestyle series. These include Hardtalk, the hard-hitting daily interview programme; BBC News Extra, which offers greater analysis of the global news agenda; and Fasttrack, BBC World's weekly travel news show.

The release also adds that this offer will be expanded later this year to include other companies that offer the Connexion by Boeing service.

This delivers high-speed Internet, data and entertainment connectivity directly to travellers in-flight through broadband connections to equipped aircrafts. It will also, in time, become available on seatback televisions.

BBC World travel distribution account director Zina Neophytou says,"BBC World is trusted and respected around the globe for Putting News First, and for offering coverage and analysis of stories of international significance. This agreement will enhance even further BBC World's substantial audience among opinion-formers and business decision-makers, keeping them fully informed while they're flying."