NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and metaverse power the future of the airline industry as well-known airlines announced their plans to adopt these technologies to enhance the experiences of their customers and employees.
Recently, Qatar Airways launched Qverse, its first metaverse experience allowing passengers to virtually visit and navigate the premium check-in area at the International Airport of Hamad (HIA).
“We believe that the future is virtual. The metaverse will empower human beings, expand their horizons and break their limits by challenging the most basic methods that were once limitations,” said a company representative.
They also added that investing in the virtual world technology reflects their passenger’s desire for “immersive content that can empower their decision-making before buying a ticket, and are often eager to discover the aircraft they will fly.”
“That’s why we believe QVerse will change the way passengers make their shopping choices,” company representatives stated.
Qverse is the first installment of Qatar Airways into the world of the metaverse. Still, the company has plans to expand its virtual environment initiatives, saying that metaverse is an excellent part of the future of human relations.
The company intends to enhance its metaverse platform by adding more functionalities, places, and interactions to make experiences more friendly and accessible via the Oculus Quest VR platform.
They also hope to empower ticket purchasing for flights and the choice of seats through a metaverse.
Meanwhile, last April, Emirates also unveiled its plans to adopt NFTs and metaverse to promote exciting experiences for its customers and employees.
They also announced that their Emirates Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai would be repurposed into a center for innovation to focus on future projects relating to metaverse, NFTs, and Web3.
“Emirates has always embraced advanced technologies to improve our business processes, enhance our customer offering, and enrich our employees’ skills and experiences. We are excited about the opportunities in the digital space of the future and are committing significant investment in financial and resource terms to develop products and services using advanced technologies that will deliver on revenue, brand experience, and business efficiencies,” HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group said.
“It is fitting that our future-themed Emirates Pavilion at Expo is being repurposed as a hub to develop cutting-edge future experiences aligned with the UAE’s vision for the digital economy,” he added.
Emirates has already pioneered innovations like virtual web reality (VR) technology on its website. At the same time, its app offers a 3D, 360-degree view of its cabin interior onboard. It is the first airline VR app on the Oculus store, giving users accurate life-size and interactive cabin interior experiences onboard Emirates’ flagship A380 and Boeing 777-300ER Gamechanger aircraft.
Emirates continues to engage with industry partners to amplify its Web3 strategy and recruit talent for its projects.