British Airways is trialling virtual reality headsets on some flights from Heathrow.
Using the VR headsets, passengers will be transported to their own 3D cinema in the skies as the airline exclusively trials a new virtual reality headset in a UK first.
From now until the end of 2019, passengers in First on select BA117 flights from London Heathrow to New York JFK will be able to enjoy a selection of award-winning films, documentaries and travel programmes in 2D, 3D or 360° formats.
The headsets allow passengers to fully immerse themselves in 3D view regardless of the position they are sat in, even lying fully flat.
British Airways is the first UK airline to trial the technology and has worked with experts to select a range of therapeutic programmes, including guided meditation and sound therapy, specifically designed for passengers who have a fear of flying.
Sajida Ismail, Head of Inflight Product at British Airways:
“We are always looking at the latest technology to enhance our customers’ experience on the ground and in the air. Virtual reality has the power to revolutionise in-flight entertainment and we’re really excited to trial these new glasses as they should create a unique and memorable journey for our First customers”.
The AlloSky virtual reality headsets are designed by French-American company SkyLights.
In 2017, Air France first trialled Skylights and SNCF on its TGV link between Paris and Milan.
SkyLights headsets are either available or have been trialled at a number of lounges, including:
- SriLankan Airlines at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo
- Etihad Airways at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal 3
- Emirates at Dubai International Airport
- SkyTeam at Dubai
N.B. Image credit: British Airways
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