S. Korea's KT to Develop In-Flight VR Service

Rhea-AI Summary

KT Corp. (KRX: 030200; NYSE: KT), South Korea's leading telecommunications firm, has joined forces with Jin Air and Hanjin Information Systems to develop a new virtual reality (VR) entertainment service for air travelers. This innovative service will allow passengers to access a wide range of immersive media content while flying, starting with international routes by the end of the year. The VR service will enhance in-flight experiences by offering ultra-high-definition movies and 360-degree images. KT aims to be a leader in VR entertainment for the airline industry.

Positive

• Innovative VR entertainment service for air passengers enhances in-flight experience.
• Partnership with Jin Air and HIST expands KT's presence in the air travel sector.
• KT's Super VR platform offers a wide range of immersive content, including movies and sports.

Negative

• None.

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- KT Corp. (KRX: 030200; NYSE: KT), South Korea's largest telecommunications company, will develop virtual reality (VR) entertainment service for air passengers jointly with Jin Air Co. and Hanjin Information Systems & Telecommunications (HIST) Co.

KT signed an agreement with Jin Air, the only widebody low-cost carrier operation in South Korea, and HIST for the new VR service optimized for air safety, security and other special in-flight needs. The nation's top telecom company will provide its VR service platform, Super VR, for Jin Air passengers to access to its massive immersive media contents.

"We can enjoy a new experience of entertainment based on VR contents not just at home or places but while traveling by plane," said Kang Kook-Hyun, head of KT's Business Group. "Like this partnership with Jin Air and HIST, KT will pioneer industrial innovation by developing the best VR entertainment service for air travelers."

The new VR service will begin with international routes mostly used by family travelers before the end of this year. Passengers will be able to borrow VR headsets to view latest movies in ultra-high resolution, and travel, sports and other VR contents in 360-degree images.

Currently, the three companies are customizing the Super VR platform for connection to aircraft computer servers. In-flight public announcements will be sent with VR images to passengers wearing headsets. The service will also be optimized for emergency control for convenience and safety.

The tripartite collaboration has been prompted by increases in mid- and long-distance flights of domestic low-cost carriers who are seeking in-flight entertainment systems. Lacking personal video screens in their aircraft, many of the carriers are expected to offer innovative passenger service with standalone VR headsets.

KT has been at the forefront of applying immersive media service to travel, leisure, education, medicine, property and many other areas, laying the groundwork for B2B collaboration and thereby expanding the immersive media market.

The network operator provides uncommon pleasure and experience through its VR entertainment service to clients of hotels, express buses, cable cars and passenger boats. Its collaboration with Jin Air is KT's first step in bringing its immersive media technology and service to airliners.

Jin Air, a leading Korean low-cost carrier, already has introduced a pilot project of in-flight VR service, the first in the nation. It plans to provide its passengers with differentiated in-flight entertainment with KT's VR service on a variety of routes.

MEDIA CONTACTS

For inquiries, please contact our Global Media Relations Team at kt.gmrt@gmail.com

ABOUT KT CORPORATION (KRX: 030200; NYSE: KT)

KT Corp., Korea's largest telecommunications service provider, reestablished in 1981 under the Telecommunications Business Act, is leading the era of innovations in the world's most connected country. The company is leading the 4^th industrial revolution with high speed wire/wireless network and new ICT technology. KT launched the world's first nationwide commercial 5G network on April 3, 2019, after successfully showcasing the world's first trial 5G services at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games in February 2018. This is another milestone in KT's continuous efforts to deliver essential products and services as it aspires to be the number one ICT Company and People's Company.

※ For more information, please visit our English website at https://corp.kt.com/eng/

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SOURCE KT Corp.

FAQ

What is KT's new partnership about?

KT has partnered with Jin Air and Hanjin Information Systems to develop a virtual reality entertainment service for air passengers.

When will KT's VR service be available for air travelers?

The VR service is expected to launch by the end of 2020 on international routes.

What content will KT's Super VR service offer to passengers?

Passengers will have access to the latest movies in ultra-high resolution and various VR content in 360-degree formats.

How does KT's VR service enhance air travel safety?

The service includes features for emergency control and in-flight public announcements optimized for VR.

What is the significance of KT's VR service in the airline industry?

This collaboration marks KT's entry into in-flight entertainment, aiming to set a new standard for passenger experiences.