First-class passengers flying between Australia and the US will soon be able to watch content via a virtual reality headset, airline Qantas has announced. In the first tie-up of its kind, the airline has teamed up with Samsung to provide the headsets for in-flight entertainment. The Samsung Gear VR headsets will show a variety of tailored content.
Experts have questioned how much content will be available and what the impact on fellow passengers might be. Qantas said the headset would offer new experiences for passengers. "Whether the user wants a virtual tour of our new Los Angeles First Lounge or to experience an A380 landing from the tarmac, this technology gives us a completely new way to connect with our customers," said Qantas group executive Olivia Wirth.
"It’s also a fantastic tool to feature our network’s destinations, inspiring travel and promoting tourism." She also promised "the virtual worlds of favourite Hollywood blockbusters," although it is unclear how much film content is currently available in the format. Qantas said that it was working with production company Jaunt to develop more content for the device.