Air China announced in Beijing Thursday that it will operate new Airbus A330-200 aircraft on its Australian routes from next year.

The new wide-body aircraft will be equipped with advanced digital sound and video systems and flat-bed business class seats.

Air China's daily flights to Australia originate in Beijing and make a stopover in Shanghai before heading for Sydney and Melbourne.

When the new aircraft goes into operation, Air China will be the first airline company to provide independent in-flight entertainment for economy class passengers on the China-Australia route.