Qantas Just Made Virtual Reality In-Flight Entertainment a Reality

Starting this March, Australia’s Qantas will offer first-class passengers a new way to trip when traveling by air. Through a partnership with Samsung, the airline has introduced fully immersive virtual reality (VR) technology to its Sydney and Melbourne International First Lounges and first class cabins on select A380 services.

During the three-month trial, first class customers can enjoy a three-dimensional, 360-degree style interactive viewing experience. The Samsung Gear VR headsets will feature popular entertainment content and virtual reality tours which “showcase the delights” of the airline’s network destinations.

“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,” says Qantas Group Executive, Brand, Marketing & Corporate Affairs Olivia Wirth. “From an in-flight 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.”

Qantas is working with production company Jaunt to develop live-action content, including destination footage. Tourism NT is the first tourism group working with Qantas on this destination content, featuring a 3D tour of Kakadu National Park.

“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,” says The Northern Territory’s Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism, Adam Giles. “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.”