Virtual Reality: This Japanese firm takes you on virtual holidays
What's the story
First Airlines, a Japan-based virtual reality (VR) tour firm, takes its customers on VR holidays and provides them with a first- and business-class airline experience. Customers can enjoy all the comforts of a luxurious flight and at the same time, take a tour of foreign lands right from their seats. Here's more on how VR is making its way into newer business models.
Details
Customers feel like they are in a luxurious airline
The Tokyo-based company invites its customers inside a fake plane cabin where the pretend travelers can relax in their first and business-class seats. They are then provided with VR headsets that take them on 360-degree immersive tours of places like Paris, Rome, Hawaii, and New York. This means that passengers sit enjoying a two-hour-long flight that never takes off.
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The make-believe flight is complete with attendants, dinner
For a wholesome experience, First Airlines has hired people to dress as flight attendants, who complete check-in desk formalities, deliver safety briefings, and serve appetizers to the guests. They are also provided with a four-course dinner before the VR tour starts.
Response
It seems like a win-win situation for the company, customers
"A real trip is...expensive, and takes time. So I think it's good we can enjoy all this hassle-free," a 39-year-old satisfied customer said after his virtual tour of Paris. Company representative Hiroaki Abe explained that older people formed the majority of First Airlines' clientele: "We have lots of elderly customers, who want to go overseas but aren't able to easily, given their physical limitations."
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The company will also start offering domestic flights soon
First Airlines started in 2016 and has been fully booked for its two-hour flights to various places since then. It also plans to add more destinations to its kitty soon, which will include domestic flights offering region-specific cuisine. So far, these flights cost 6,600 yen.