Virtual reality film to give Qantas passengers underwater experience

FIRST Class passengers on Qantas will be given the chance to dive the Great Barrier Reef - all while flying at 35,000 feet.

Qantas, in conjunction with Samsung, unveil their "industry-first virtual reality experience for travellers". Picture: Supplied

QANTAS International passengers will soon be able to venture underwater when they are more than 35,000 feet in the air.

The airline has announced plans to release a 3D virtual reality experience of the Great Barrier Reef from June 27, giving viewers a 360-degree perspective of the world’s largest living structure.

Reef in 3D ... an image from the new film of the Great Barrier Reef and Hamilton Island to be screened by Qantas from late June. Pic: Qantas

At the same time, Qantas will add another two return flights a week between Brisbane and Hamilton Island, and use a bigger aircraft on its Monday service.

An additional twice-weekly service between Melbourne and Hamilton Island is also due to start on June 27.

Qantas Brand Executive Olivia Wirth said the virtual reality experience coupled with the extra flights highlighted their commitment to promoting the Whitsunday region as a “must-see-and-do destination”.

“As one of the largest private investors in Australian tourism we are constantly looking at different ways to showcase the wonderful destinations on our network,” she said.

“Our Virtual Reality headsets have already proven a hit with our customers in our lounges and on some of our international flights.”

A truly first class experience ... passengers can use the Virtual Reality headsets on flights between Australia and LA. Picture: Supplied

“It’s a fantastic way for us to give our customers a unique experience of the Great Barrier Reef and Hamilton Island which we expect will translate into more people choosing to visit the Whitsundays for their next holiday.”

Qantas introduced Samsung and Rapid Virtual Reality headsets into its First Class cabins on Australia-Los Angeles flights, and at Sydney and Melbourne lounges earlier this year.

Hamilton Island chief executive officer Glenn Bourke said the virtual vision would inspire many more people to visit the region.

“However nothing can beat actually seeing the reef in person,” said Mr Bourke. “As a regular diver, I can say being on the reef is an exhilarating and unbeatable experience.”

Underwater wonderland ... snorkelling with sea turtles at Lady Elliot Island on the southern Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Supplied

The world’s largest coral reef will also be the subject of a new Sir David Attenborough series due to screen in 60 countries early next year, to a global audience of around 1 billion people.

The intense focus on the reef coincides with a campaign by the Federal Government to stop the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declaring the world-heritage listed area as being “in danger”.