As part of the trial, Samsung Gear VR headsets will be available to customers in Sydney and Melbourne International first class lounges from mid-February, and first class cabins on select A380 flights between Australia and Los Angeles from mid-March.

Donning a headset will give Qantas customers 360 degree virtual reality vision of destinations such as Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, new Qantas products, and in-flight movies.

“Qantas will be the only airline to offer a virtual reality entertainment experience in-flight,” Qantas said in a news release.

The trial will run for three months to assess customer feedback on how the VR experience adds to the overall travel experience on long-haul flights.

Qantas spokesman Olivia Wirth said the technology would open up new lounge and in-flight entertainment for customers, as well as give Qantas a powerful way to preview destinations and experiences.

“Whether the user wants a virtual tour of our new Los Angeles First Lounge or experience an A380 landing from the tarmac, this technology gives us a completely new way to connect with our customers,” Mrs Wirth said.

“From an in-flight entertainment perspective, it’s an industry first. Qantas is committed to being at the forefront of innovation to give our passengers the very best and latest in-flight experiences, like accessing the virtual worlds of their favourite Hollywood blockbusters from the comfort of their seat 40,000 feet above the ground.

“It’s also a fantastic tool to feature our network’s destinations, inspiring travel and promoting tourism.”

Samsung Electronics Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Arno Lenior, said the use of Samsung Gear VR technology across selected Qantas services would provide an exceptional experience for customers.

“We believe Samsung Gear VR, one of the latest innovations from Samsung, will open new worlds for Qantas customers who experience the technology for themselves,” Mr Lenior said.

Qantas said it was working closely with production company Jaunt to develop and produce the live-action content including destination footage.