BA to offer virtual headsets on New York route

This is a piece of good news to all air travellers on the British Airways service as beginning from now until the end of 2019, customers will be transported to their own 3D cinema in the skies as the airline exclusively trials a new virtual reality headset.

Customers travelling on select flights in the first class service from London Heathrow to New York JFK airport will be able to enjoy a selection of award-winning films, documentaries and travel programmes in 2D, 3D or 360° formats.

The headsets from VR eyewear specialists, SkyLights, allow customers to fully immerse themselves in 3D view regardless of the position they are seated in.

The experience even works when they are lying fully flat. British Airways is the first UK airline to trial the technology and has worked with experts to select a range of therapeutic programmes, including guided meditation and sound therapy, specifically designed for customers who have a fear of flying.

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.”

The AlloSky virtual reality headsets are designed by SkyLights, former alumni of British Airways’ parent company IAG’s Hangar 51 start-up accelerator programme. Earlier this year, British Airways trialled the technology at Heathrow Terminal 5, giving customers a glimpse of the Club World cabin through virtual reality.