Some Qantas passengers will have the chance to experience the wonders of virtual reality at 38,000 feet when the airline commences a three-month trial of the new Samsung Gear VR headset in February.
The headsets are fitted with a Samsung smartphone pre-loaded with some promotional Qantas material such as an on-the-ground perspective of an Airbus A380 taking off and a tour of its Los Angeles lounge.
The airline has also teamed with Northern Territory tourism to produce a Kakadu-themed clip showcasing the best of the Top End in a 360-degree format. Motion picture films are also on the cards.
Qantas group executive for brand, marketing and corporate affairs Olivia Wirth says the virtual reality technology is expected to be popular with travellers.
“It is a truly amazing experience and we believe that our customers, during this trial period, will absolutely love,” Wirth told reporters at the trial’s launch in Sydney on Thursday.
“Not only will it allow us to connect better with our customers and offer them a unique experience, it also allows us to work with tourism partners to showcase fantastic destinations both in Australia and overseas.
“We will also have the opportunity to showcase some Hollywood blockbusters on board this fantastic equipment.”
The headsets will be available at Qantas’s first class lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, as well in the first class cabin of A380-operated flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Los Angeles, the airline said in a statement.
