Qantas together with Samsung Electronics Australia has launched a new trial entertainment service that uses Samsung virtual reality (VR) technology to give customers a spectacular three dimensional experience in a 360 degree style interactive format. Qantas’ VR headsets will transport customers to an immersive virtual world at the click of a button and showcase the sights and delights of network destinations, new Qantas products and the latest inflight blockbuster movies.
As part of the trial, a number of Samsung Gear VR headsets will be made available to customers in Sydney and Melbourne International first lounges as well as in the first class cabins on select A380 services. Qantas will be the only airline to offer a virtual reality entertainment experience inflight. The trial will run for three months to assess customer feedback on how this kind of VR offering might add to their overall travel experience on long-haul flights.
Olivia Wirth, group executive, brand, marketing and corporate affairs, Qantas said, “The technology will open up a new world of lounge and inflight entertainment for customers, as well as give Qantas a powerful way to preview destinations and experiences. 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.”
“From an inflight entertainment perspective, it’s an industry first. 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. It’s also a fantastic tool to feature our network’s destinations, inspiring travel and promoting tourism,” added Wirth.
Arno Lenior, chief marketing officer, Samsung Electronics Australia, said, “The deployment of Samsung Gear VR technology across selected Qantas services will provide an exceptional experience for customers. Samsung is immensely proud to be working with Qantas to deliver Samsung Gear VR entertainment technology through the airline’s first class services, both in the air and on the ground. We believe Samsung Gear VR, one of the latest innovations from Samsung, will open new worlds for Qantas customers who experience the technology for themselves.”
Qantas is also working closely with production company Jaunt to develop and produce the live-action content including destination footage. Tourism NT is the first tourism group to partner with Qantas on the content creation, with a special 3D experience from Kakadu National Park. Adam Giles, chief minister and minister for tourism, Northern Territory said, “This innovation literally adds a new dimension to how visitors experience Kakadu. Tourism NT is delighted to pilot this new technology as part of its suite of marketing projects utilising new, industry leading technology, and what better way to demonstrate the impact this VR technology can have than by showcasing Kakadu, one of the world’s most iconic ‘must do’ tourism destinations.”