Take your pick: VR

Airlines and their suppliers are increasingly using VR technology to enhance the customer experience and sales, says Benjamin Coren

creW traininG

Tre3 is working with specialists Inflight VR to offer IFE and lounge entertainment, VR product promotions and tailored VR training for crew. VR allows crew to learn new tasks in 'real' environments which is proving more effective, more fun and less expensive. Worldwide crews can also meet virtually and train together using the technology no matter where they are based. tre3.eu

KiDs entertainMent

Eurostar's Odyssey VR experience enables passengers to take a virtual reality journey to the bottom of the Channel. Accessed via an iOS or Android device, it provides the illusion of a glass roof over the train through which passengers can see and interact with sea life along the way. eurostar.com

cineMa stYLe

Skylights offers an Allosky VR headset product which has been successfully tested on a number of airlines. It offers 2D, 3D and 180 degree content, and provides a cinema-style view of films and TV programmes. Lightweight and comfortable, it provides a new way of viewing IFE. skylights.aero

DesiGn sUPPort

Galileo Watermark's design team is using VR as a way to showcase product ideas to airline customers. Learn more page 107. galileowatermark.com

UPGraDe tooL

Lufthansa has trialled the use of VR technology at the boarding gate as a way to sell upgrades to passengers prior to boarding. Passengers viewed the upgraded cabin experience being offered and the trial led to an increase in upgrade sales. lufthansa.com

caBin toUrs

Emirates and Virgin Atlantic have been utilising VR technology to showcase their cabin offerings. Emirates has introduced online web VR across its platforms to display cabin interiors and give customers the chance to explore their seats and cabins. The system can even be used for seat selection. Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic recently utilised the technology to showcase its refreshed cabins its fleet of A330-200 aircraft. emirates.com virginatlantic.com