Santa’s official airline, Finnair, is using Virtual Reality, VR, to offer an immersive experience for customers this season. The flights are created by Finnish VR studio Zoan with one of the most advanced real-time 3D graphics tools, Unreal Engine. Customers can enjoy a flight using their mobile phones or laptops. Another option is using a VR headset to access a web browser. After landing in the northern city of Rovaniemi, customers will be able to cross the Arctic Circle and visit Santa in his cabin.
At the heart of the relationship is Finnair’s collaboration with the Santa Claus Foundation, an organization aimed at improving the wellbeing of children all over the world. Usually, that means flying Santa on a goodwill tour of Europe and Asia, with a major focus on China and Japan, visiting preschools, kindergartens and hospitals to spread Christmas cheer.
“Thanks to the magic of Virtual Reality, Finnair can ‘fly’ families to Rovaniemi in Lapland – despite the travel restrictions – to enjoy a winter wonderland and meet Santa. I hope this brings a big smile to those participating,” said Mikko Turtiainen, Finnair VP of Global Sales.We’re excited to harness modern technology to create a truly memorable holiday experience.
Finnair has been the official airline of Santa Claus since 1983. Flying him across the globe from his homeland in Finland, it not only helps promote the image of the country around the world, but more importantly brings joy to thousands of children.
Each of the eight VR flights to Lapland lasts about thirty minutes and costs just €10 per person. Seats can be reserved from the Finnair Shop. Besides having a festive experience, customers who board the virtual flight will also be giving help to those who need it. Proceeds will go to UNICEF’s work to slow the spread of Covid-19.
The time could not be better for a holiday VR experience on the wings of Santa’s official airline
Sanna Kärkkäinen, CEO of Visit Rovaniemi.
“We’ve been developing our VR experience in Rovaniemi for over a year now and joining forces with Finnair is a fantastic way to reach a global audience with a seasonal message – and a heart full of hope.”
Lack of high-quality VR has been one of the obstacles to a wide deployment of the technology. Finnair, however, has been developing its VR since 2016. The airline first used is to render more real the cabin experience of its Airbus A350.
Santa and the Santa Foundation are still hard at work on charitable projects, donating funds to improve education in Nepal and provide tablet PCs to unaccompanied children arriving in Finland. Money spent on products with a Santa Claus Foundation logo will reach the good causes that the foundation works with.
“For us it’s important to tell everyone that Santa is from Finland,” says Jari Ahjoharju from the Santa Foundation. “It’s important to spread that message. The other important thing is the charity work we do with children.”
