Finnair takes customers on VR flight to meet Santa Claus

Finnair and ZOAN will take families to Rovaniemi to meet Santa Claus with the help of VR technology.

The experience can be enjoyed from personal VR devices, laptops and mobile phones. It will include a first-class flight with refreshments and guaranteed northern lights, as well as a surprise guest.

“As Santa’s official airline, we’re excited to harness modern technology to create a truly memorable holiday experience. Our customers around the world will be able to enjoy the timeless wonder and holiday cheer of Finnish Lapland from the comfort of their own homes, while enjoying the thrill of sitting in Finnair Business Class.”

Finnair has invested in developing VR technologies since 2016 and believes the pandemic has driven up the need for virtual experiences in its industry. ZOAN has racked up an impressive portfolio since its founding in 2010 and worked with the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, and the City of Helsinki, helping the latter to hold a virtual concert that gathered 1.4 million viewers. The collaboration has a high likelihood of resonating far beyond the holiday season.

“We think VR is an important tool which could be used to complement the physical in-flight experience,” envisioned Tiina Tissari, VP of customer experience at Finnair.

“Customers could, for instance, choose their holiday destination or make travel plans by checking out sights and locations through VR. We also believe the in-flight experience will become more personalised so that customers can customise and enhance their journey to fit their individual needs and preferences.”