EMIRATES LAUNCHES FIRST AIRLINE VIRTUAL REALITY IN APP IN OCULUS STORE

Emirate is the largest airline and one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates. Based in Garhoud, Dubai, the airline is a subsidiary of the Emirate group, which is owned by the government of Dubai. Emirate is the largest airline in the Middle East, operating 3,600 flights per week from it hubs at Dubai international airport. It operates to more than 150 cities in 80 countries across 6 continents through its fleet of nearly 300 aircraft.

Emirate international airline has given its customers leverages to explore first class suite and other signature products in full via virtual reality. Customers can now check out the cabin around their own seat in row 77 from the comfort of their homes. The app enables prospective passengers to view facilities such as first class product, the wider cabin and explore the cockpit

The company said the service is available in the emirate app, and now on the Oculus store for Oculus Rift users. Emirate aims to provide innovative and outstanding customers experience whether onboard, on the ground, or in the digital space.

In 2018, Emirate was the first world airline to introduce advanced web VR technology on their digital platforms, offering their customers an immersive opportunity to learn about the fantastic Emirate experience that awaits them even before they stepped on board.

Emirate has continued to invest and develop that experience, and today they 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 audience across digital platforms. This initiative is also particularly relevant right now, as many people have not traveled for a while due to the pandemic, and are seeking inspiration and researching and rediscovering their flight options.

The app is created in partnership with technology company Renacen, and Emirates customers can navigate through economy class, business class, and first class cabins; explore their seats, as well as the onboard lounge and shower spa on the Emirate A380 using navigational hotspots.

Diego Cachero, chief executive of Spain-based Renacen, says the development positions and differentiates us international as leaders in 3D and VR development, both for web and heavy applications.

Currently, users can explore the following Emirate VR experience via the Emirates Oculus VR app on the Oculus store; offering users accurate, life size and interactive cabin Emirates flagship A380 aircraft and Boeing 777-300ER game changer aircraft.

Emirates.com on PCs, Mobile device devices or the Emirate app for ios and android: an immersive 3D, web VR and 360 degree view of Emirate Boeing 777 and airbus A380 aircraft cabin interior. Customers can explore their seats before checking in online with the 3D seat map. The tool allows customers to navigate from one seat to another, and even allows customers to book their preferred seats from within the 3D environment. Users can also enjoy hands free cabin navigation and seat selection by using any VR headset like Google cardboard.

Emirates plan 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.

According to an Emirates spokesperson the carrier has continue to invest in its virtual reality experience which started in 2018 with the carrier launching its first VR efforts.

Carriers have tested different virtual and augmented reality application in recent years with Virgin Atlantic partnering with site to use VR for crew training while Air New Zealand launched an AR experience for travel inspiration.

British Airways and Qantas have both trialed the technology for the in-flight experience