Garuda launches inflight virtual reality entertainment

National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia has launched an inflight virtual reality (VR) entertainment system to its business class in a bid to enhance passengers’ flight experience.Garuda Indonesia president director Ari Askhara said the new entertainment system was part of the airline’s ongoing “The New Flight Experience” campaign to update and improve its range of in-flight amenities. “Through this VR system, passengers will be able to watch various box-office movies on an immersive wide-angle, 180-360 degree screen,” Ari said in a statement, adding that he expected the new entertainment system to enhance passengers’ convenience, especially during long-haul flights. Garuda Indonesia’s latest inflight entertainment option is the first VR system in Asia Pacific to have been certified with an international flight safety approval, according to a statement from the airline. “Based on the positive responses we’ve been getting from our customers, we will extend the trial period for our new VR system to several domestic and international flights; including Jakarta-Manado [North Sulawesi] from January to February, Jakarta-Denpasar [Bali] from February to March, and Jakarta-Singapore starting in March,” Ari said.