ZTE has completed what it says is the world’s first use of 4G mobile internet on a commercial flight.

During the LTE broadband network test, internet connectivity was available for 70 minutes of the two hour flight from Beijing to Xi’an with Chinas Hainan Airlines. The companys engineers were able to complete a variety of online tasks, including real-time video conferencing, instant messaging, microblogging, email, gaming and payments. The download and upload bandwidths were stable and worked at speeds greater than 12Mbps.

The service, which is based on advanced FDD-LTE 4G network technology, will allow passengers to access the internet over wi-fi via a cabin WLAN. ZTE has created an on-board device to solve the communication problem between airborne devices and base-stations on the ground. It ensures continuity of the internet service in the air.

The company began R&D for the project in 2011 and says it is expected to launch on most Chinese airlines during 2013.