Air France brings 3D movies onboard with virtual reality headsets

Business-class passengers traveling between Paris and St. Martin were the first to test the new in-flight entertainment program earlier in August, in a partnership with Franco-American start-up SkyLights.Thanks to a wraparound design that blocks out any peripheral distractions, the video headset device offers a private viewing experience that simulates a wide-angled, IMAX-like screen.

The device can be used to screen a selection of 40 movies in 3D and 2D and also comes with noise-canceling headsets.

Once the trial period ends, the new system could be rolled out on other Air France flights.

France's flagship carrier isn't the first to bring 3D movie experiences to the skies.

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XL Airways France became the first carrier to trial the SkyLights headsets last year. The technology is also being tested on other carriers based in Europe, as well as the Middle East.

AccorHotels Groups also announced plans to pilot the device in the executive rooms of their Novotel, La Défense hotel in Paris beginning this fall.

In 2015, Qantas teamed up with Samsung in a pilot project that gave out virtual reality headsets to passengers flying First Class on select flights, and for use in their airport lounges.

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Photo credit: Skylight