Iberia and Inflight VR have joined forces to trial virtual reality (VR) inflight entertainment (IFE). During a trial period, VR devices will be available to passengers on Iberia’s two daily Airbus A350- 900-operated Madrid to New York flights, as well as the daily Airbus A330-200-operated Madrid to Tel Aviv service.
The second-generation Pico devices will be available for rent during flights. They will enable viewers to experience 3D content in games, films, city travelogues and documentaries, including dives into the depths of the Red Sea.
Nikolas Jaeger, Founder and Managing Director of Inflight VR, which is a member of the FTE Innovation & Startup Hub, said: “We think virtual reality has a great potential and it can change the air passenger experience as a part of the inflight entertainment programme. The viewer is no longer a mere observer, but can take a stroll in the city he or she will be visiting, or simply relax before arriving at the destination.”
Ignacio Toval, Digital Transformation Director, Iberia, added: ”We learned about Inflight VR through Hangar 51, IAG’s startup accelerator programme. Since 2017, we’ve been working together to develop a VR solution that can offer a new experience to our customers.
“An important aspect of Iberia’s digital transformation push lies in the incorporation of new technologies and digital innovation during the entire travel experience, from the moment they think about buying a ticket to arrival at the destination.”
Once the six-month trial is completed, Iberia and Inflight VR will decide whether to expand the service to other medium- and long-haul routes.
