How the Metaverse is changing the face of aviation
Image source- arabianbusiness.com
Unless you are someone living under a rock, you might have already come across this concept, or rather a whole new universe popularly known as the 'Metaverse'. From buying plots of land to attending virtual concerts, this universe has transformed the shape of Augmented and Virtual reality.
The airline industry is one of many industries poised to join the Metaverse bandwagon to stay relevant and in sync with changing times. So let’s find out how Metaverse can unlock new doors for the aviation industry.
Metaverse, aviation, and its correlation
Metaverse is a separate virtual universe where individuals can perform everyday activities like conducting meetings, attending concerts, Making new friends, purchasing collectables, etc. It can be compared to the universe we live in, except everything is virtual. The airline industry maneuvered Metaverse to create a virtual airport where customers can check in, choose their seats and get their boarding passes. They can also explore the airport and learn about the different airlines, gates, and terminals. In addition, the airline industry uses Metaverse to create a virtual customer service center. The virtual customer service center is where customers can go to ask questions and get help with their travel plans. The aviation industry is just one of the many Metaverse industries to increase its interaction with customers. Metaverse is changing the way businesses interact with their customers, and the airline industry is at the forefront of this change.
Recently, the airline industry is seen to be entering the Metaverse rapidly. Multi-national and large airline bigwigs, such as Qatar, Emirates, Boeing, and many more, pave their way into the Metaverse with noticeable moves. For instance, according to simpleflying.com, Boeing has set up a budget of $15 Billion for the futuristic projects in the Metaverse!
Qatar wants to integrate Metaverse.
Qatar Airways is a frontrunner in integrating Metaverse. Recently Qatar Airways joined hands with Neutral Digital to launch 'Qverse'. Qverse is a 3D platform that allows users to take a premium virtual tour of the Hamad International Airport (HIA). According to the Indian Express, they introduced the world's first Metahuman cabin crew named 'Sama', meaning the 'sky' in Arabic.
The aviation giant is setting its goal for passengers to have a fully immersive experience when flying on Qatar Airways. Passengers will be able to order food from their seats, watch movies of 4K quality, play games, and even learn something new by interacting with other passengers in the cabin. So whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, this new technology will help you enjoy your journey before landing at your destination!
Boeing and the Metaverse
Boeing has a history of developing technologies that improve its flight efficiency, safety, and comfort. In December 2021, Boeing chiefs claimed they wanted to introduce their next airplane in the Metaverse. Hyslop, an executive at Boeing, provided a statement to The Economic Times- "You will get speed, improved quality, better communication." This is expected to take place in the next ten years.
Boeing is working on a Metaverse project with Qatar Airways and Emirates Airline called "Airspace", which would allow passengers to interact with virtual reality (VR) environments while onboarding the aircraft.
Image source- reuters.com
Emirates says Metaverse is critical for its success as an airline
Emirates is one of the largest airlines in the world, with a fleet of over 250 aircraft. As an industry leader, Emirates is committed to leveraging technology to deliver a personalized and seamless travel experience for its passengers. They have been active adopters of Metaverse since its inception in 1992 has formed a team dedicated to advancing metaverse-enabled services within their organization.
Emirates has been using Metaverse to improve their customer experience by providing real-time data on flight statuses, making it easier for customers to check-in online without waiting at an airport counter or kiosk.
Additionally, Emirates is determined to step into web3 and launch its own staggering NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). Further, the aviation giant is also planning to associate the payment modes by including paying via Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies features.
Lufthansa’s Innovation hub
Lufthansa, one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services globally, set up an innovation hub to’ add value beyond flying’.
Jan Stoevesand, the senior Director of Digital Solutions and Analytics, expressed - “About five years ago, our Executive Board started a digital initiative knowing that the future of the Lufthansa Technik depends on our digital capabilities, too. We identified three fields of action: Digitize the core of our business, digitally enhance our current portfolio and extend our product portfolio with standalone digital offerings.” Lufthansa Technik partnered with Google Cloud’s expertise and solutions for its technological development.
Future of Metaverse and Aviation
The future of the airline industry is shrouded in uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic has decimated demand for air travel, and it is still unclear when or how demand will recover. In addition, the industry is facing other challenges, such as the need to reduce its environmental impact.
Metaverse is a digital world that is becoming popular. It can revolutionize the airline industry, making it possible for passengers to travel without leaving home. In addition, metaverse-based air travel could become the norm in the future.
References
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-qverse-launches- with-industry-first-metahuman-cabin-crew--neutral-digital-supports- qatar-airways-entry-into-the-metaverse-301534285.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/boeing-wants-to-build-its- next-airplane-in-the-metaverse-/6359601.html
https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-to-launch-nfts-and-experiences-in-the-metaverse/
https://technologymagazine.com/data-and-data-analytics/digital-strategies-in-aviation
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