In an industry first, Qantas and Samsung have announced a new partnership that will see the Flying Kangaroo trialling Samsung’s virtual reality technology on some of its flights and airport lounges.
The airline says it plans to fit the Gear VR in its Sydney and Melbourne International First Lounges from mid-February, and in select A380 flights from Australia to Los Angeles in mid-March. The trial will last three months. However, if you want to actually try it, you will need to be a first class passenger.
According to Qantas, the new technology will mean that customers can watch movies and see the sights of some of its destinations in an “spectacular” 3D environment.
“Qantas is committed to being at the forefront of innovation to give our passengers the very best and latest in-flight experiences, like accessing the virtual worlds of their favourite Hollywood blockbusters from the comfort of their seat 40,000 feet above the ground,” Olivia Wirth, the airline’s Brand, Marketing & Corporate Affairs executive, said in a statement.
“Whether the user wants a virtual tour of our new Los Angeles First Lounge or experience an A380 landing from the tarmac, this technology gives us a completely new way to connect with our customers.”
The company will also be partnering with Jaunt and Tourism NT to provide some content. Jaunt will be producing some “live-action content”, while Tourism NT is behind an immersive 3D experience of Kakadu National Park.
via Qantas