Qantas has teamed up with technology giant Samsung to trial, for three months, virtual reality entertainment on selected flights and within its lounges. The virtual reality (VR) technology gives customers a spectacular three dimensional experience in a 360-degree style interactive format and will showcase the sights and delights of network destinations, new Qantas products, and the latest inflight blockbuster movies. 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., with the headsets showing everything from Hollywood blockbusters to insightful tourism videos on Australian destinations, including the acclaimed Northern Territories.

“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,” says Qantas group executive, brand, marketing and corporate affairs Olivia Wirth. “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 inflight experiences.”

The Samsung VR headsets will be featured in the First Class Lounge in Sydney and Melbourne from mid-February, and on select A380 flights between Australia and Los Angeles in the First Class cabin from mid-March. www.qantas.com.au