Japan’s First Airlines has become the world’s first virtual airline – offering a flight experience using Virtual Reality technology without leaving the ground in Ikebukuro in Tokyo. The Airline uses A380 or A340 seats.
Passengers, make reservations, check-in, are given a boarding pass, wear VR headsets and experience a simulated takeoff and landing. There are also safety demonstrations, in-flight announcements, and engine sounds. There are 4 course in-flight meals that showcase the flavours of the destination. Flights last for 111 minutes. After the completion of the “flight” passengers can experience a 360 degree view of the Paris, New York, Rome or Hawaii.
Fly from Tokyo to Paris on a virtual reality flight, enjoying first class travel, great food and a city tour. Japan’s First Airlines takes you. https://t.co/iZfkebNHA7
— CNN Travel (@CNNTravel) February 21, 2018
First Airlines manager Hirokai Abe told CNN, “For me, it’s difficult to have a trip because of the cost, like time and money. If I can easily access the airport and take a flight even though it’s virtual, I thought it would be so cool.” The service is aimed at those that are time poor or unable to travel because of illness or cost.
Flights cost from ¥4980 (£33.42, €37.95, $US46.71, $A59.71) for Business Class and ¥5980 (£40.13, €45.57, $US56.09, $A71.70).