British Airways to trial VR on flights  

Airline British Airways has announced a trial of VR entertainment on select first class flights from London Heathrow and New York’s JFK. 

Until the end of the year, the company has paired with VR eyewear specialist SkyLights (an alumni of British Airways’ parent company IAG’s Hangar 51 start-up scheme) to enjoy a range of films, documentaries and travel programmes in 2D, 3D or 360-degree formats. The company says that the headsets will work regardless of the user’s sitting position, including lying fully flat. 

While British Airways is the first UK airline to trial the technology, it is not the first airline to try out VR. Quantas and Alaska Airlines both trialled VR in 2015, but neither of those airlines have quite the reach or brand recognition of British Airways.

Sajida Ismail, head of inflight product at British Airways, said: “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”.  

In addition to films, shows and documentaries, the content line-up also includes a range of therapeutic VR experiences aimed at making the 7 hour, 55 minute flight a bit more relaxing.