Qantas x Samsung - Virtual Reality

Qantas x Samsung - Virtual Reality

In previous reports we have featured initiatives from the likes of Marriott, Thomas Cook and Virgin Holidays that saw these brands experiment with the latest generation of virtual reality (VR) headsets to engage consumers.

The first airline to actually bring VR headsets onboard is Qantas. In a marketing tactic that we have dubbed ‘The Innovation Is The Marketing’ , Qantas has partnered with Samsung to launch a futuristic entertainment trial that uses Samsung’s new Gear VR headsets.

Four devices will be made available to passengers in Sydney and Melbourne International First Lounges by mid- February and in the First Class cabins on select A380 services from mid-March. 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.

The Samsung Gear VR headsets will completely envelop customers in an immersive virtual world with each headset partnered to a Samsung Galaxy smartphone loaded with a library of virtual reality clips. VR entertainment features include the sights and panoramic vistas of Qantas’ destinations, new product and a selection of the latest inflight blockbuster movies. Several content items have been shot exclusively for Qantas and the airline intends to built a library of VR clips for key destinations. Video of the Qantas VR experience here.

Qantas Group Executive, Brand, Marketing & Corporate Affairs Olivia Wirth tells Australian Business Traveller that the airline is also keen to see how Hollywoodproduced VR movies could transform inflight entertainment.