If you’ve been in Turkish Airlines‘ business class lounge in Istanbul over the past few days, then you might be forgiven for thinking that Batman had parked one of is many vehicles in the lounge. However, this futuristic new machine, dubbed ‘Hezarfen’ is actually a flight simulator with a difference.
Combining modern technology with inspiration from Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi who made history by being the first person to take flight in Turkish aviation history, this new flight simulator offers Turkish Airlines’ passengers the chance to fly over Istanbul with Virtual Reality goggles as if they had wings themselves.
Following the flight path of Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi, the passenger’s route starts from Galata Tower and takes guests to the familiar sights of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Büyükdere Avenue, 15 July Martyrs Bridge and Maiden’s Tower.
The VR googles with 4K footage and motion platform give the guests a fully immersive 360-degree experience with added wind and flight movements. Interestingly this isn’t the first quirky entertainment offering that Turkish Airlines has had in its lounges. From Scalextric tables to virtual golf and art museums, Turkish has invested in a myriad of extra-curricular additions to its flagship lounges to help pass the time.
On the subject, Turkish Airlines General Manager Bilal Ekşi stated; “We invited you here today to become a ‘Hezarfen’. With this simulator where you can feel you are flying starting from Galata Tower and ending at Maiden’s Tower, we are offering you the chance to get the bird’s eye view of today’s Istanbul with the eyes of Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi.
We are opening Hezarfen Flight Experience to be experienced by our passengers today with you. We invite our passengers to Lounge Business to be part of this exquisite experience.”
TheDesignAir 