The Australian national carrier is partnering with Samsung to trial the use of Gear VR headsets for a more immersive in-flight entertainment experience. In what Qantas claims is a world first for an airline, first class travelers on select Airbus A380 services between Australia and Los Angeles will be able to experience 360° virtual tours of select destinations and other specially developed content as well as accessing the usual selection of Hollywood blockbuster movies.

"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, Brand, Marketing & 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 in-flight experiences."

During the initial three-month trial VR headsets will also be made available to customers using Sydney's or Melbourne's International First Lounge.
Whether or not the headsets become a standard first-class perk will be based on customer feedback, but Qantas is confident that virtual reality is something that really can add a new dimension to in-flight entertainment and has already started partnering with organizations to develop original content. Qantas plans to start equipping its Sydney and Melbourne International First Lounges with the headsets in mid-February, while the in-air trial will begin in March.

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