AJ Hackett considers using drones to capture guest experiences

International bungy jumping operator AJ Hackett is considering using drones to capture the screams and exhilaration of jumpers from every angle.

More than a dozen representatives from the company’s attractions across the world have been meeting in Cairns this week to discuss initiatives to improve the company’s global reach.

AJ Hackett sales and marketing managers from China, Portugal, Russia, France, New Zealand and Australia also lined up at AJ Hackett’s bungy tower at Smithfield to take the plunge themselves, taking home any ideas about how to improve their own jump experiences.

AJ Hackett Global Sales and Marketing Manager Nigel Hobbs told The Cairns Post that the company was discussing incorporating drone technology into customers’ experiences.

Bungy jumpers currently have the option of filming their adventures on small video cameras which are attached to their arms.

However, Hobbs said drones would provide customers with unparalleled footage of their jump, stating "we want to find out whether we can track people through jumps or swings.

“We’d love to be able to have drones tracking people.

"I really believe, in the future, we will be able to offer that product – as soon as the technology moves closer and makes it more accessible.”

While it may be perilous having bungy jumpers venturing anywhere near whirring blades of flying drones, Hobbs said the representatives were discussing options to ensure there were no close encounters.

He added "we’d have to have it set up so you completely remove that as an option,.

“The drone may need to be tethered.”

AJ Hackett’s Cairns facility, established in 1990, was the first purpose-built bungy tower in the world.

As with many other adventure attractions, providing video and photographic souvenirs is a major part of secondary spend income for AJ Hackett.

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