Iberia airlines to offer virtual reality in-flight entertainment

Iberia and Inflight VR, a company which specialises in applying virtual reality to the travel industry, have joined to incorporate VR technology on Iberia aircraft.

After a trial period, virtual reality devices will be available to passengers on the twice daily Madrid-New York flights that Iberia operates, and on the daily Madrid-Tel Aviv flight. 

The second-generation Pico devices will be available for rent during flights. They will enable viewers to experience three-dimensional 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, said: “We think virtual reality has a great potential and it can change the air passenger experience as a part of the in-flight 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, Iberia’s Digital Transformation Director, added: ”We learned about  Inflight VR through Hangar 51, IAG’s start-up 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.”

Iberia and Inflight VR entered into a six-month trial agreement. When the results are examined, a decision will be taken about expanding the service to other medium- and long-haul Iberia routes.