Emirates has launched what it describes as the first airline virtual reality app, designed to allow customers to explore the cabin from the comfort of their home.
Customers can navigate through the economy, business and first class cabins, explore their seats, as well as the onboard lounge and shower spa on the A380 aircraft. The airline is also working on creating an updated version to include its premium economy cabin and latest A380 interiors.
The VR experiences have been created in partnership with tech company Renacen and can be found on emirates.com, via the airline’s app or on the Oculus store.
The online version and app for iOS and Android provides a 3D, web VR and 360 degree view of the airline’s B777 and A380 cabin interiors, including all 20 different configurations across its fleet. A 3D seat map means that customers can discover their seats before checking in online, with a tool that allows customers to navigate from one seat to another and to book their preferred seats from within the 3D environment.
The Oculus VR app on the Oculus store offers users life size and interactive cabin interior experiences onboard the A380 and B777-300ER Gamechanger aircraft. Customers can pick up items from the onboard lounge, turn on the shower in the spa, close the private suite doors behind them, and even explore the cockpit.
Emirates plans to offer customers the ability to explore destinations, select a cabin, and book and pay for their flight from within the Emirates Oculus VR app in the future.
See a video of how it works below:
Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, said:
“Emirates aims to provide innovative and outstanding customer experiences whether onboard, on the ground, or in the digital space. In 2018, we were the world’s first airline to introduce advanced web VR technology on our digital platforms, offering our customers an immersive opportunity to learn about the fantastic Emirates experience that awaited them before they stepped on board. We’ve continued to invest and develop that experience, and today we are delighted to be the first airline to launch a fully-fledged Oculus VR app.
“This initiative expands our global reach and ability to engage with our audiences across digital platforms. It is also particularly relevant right now, as many people have not travelled for a while due to the pandemic, and are seeking inspiration and researching and rediscovering their flight options.”
