Delta Air Lines Has Some Big Changes Coming
CES, or the Consumer Electronics Show, is an annual expo for all varieties of technology that takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES is a major event in the tech world, and some of the biggest technological events in recent history have been unveiled here (for example, Xbox was first shown in 2001).
Delta Air Lines had a keynote at this year’s CES, taking the stage for multiple days in the Sphere, where the event was held. 2025 is Delta’s 100th birthday, and they’re clearly going all out for it, with an elaborate immersive “fireworks” show on the Sphere’s massive screens and a musical performance by GRAMMY Award winning music icon Lenny Kravitz. Delta’s CEO, CEO Ed Bastian, was a keynote speaker at the summit. “New marvels like AI, the digital revolution and sustainable technology are giving us incredible tools to transform the travel experience,” said Bastian during the keynote. “But amid the wonder of new technology, we’ve always understood that the entire point of innovation is to lift people up.”
The audience was then taken on a fully immersive flight journey, with Bastian being joined on stage throughout the keynote by Delta people and industry leaders to showcase the new technology and partnerships that will be part of Delta’s next 100 years, Delta told CNN Travel.
Delta Concierge
Built into the Fly Delta app, Delta Concierge is a digital tool that uses generative AI to create seamless and personalized moments while making a customer’s journey easier – almost like a personal assistant, according to the airline’s newsroom. It includes an exclusive partnership with the rideshare app Uber, as well as other ease of travel features, like estimating TSA wait times, allowing passengers to easily upload their passport and TSA PreCheck/CLEAR details, and allowing users to preplan ground transport with Uber ahead of time with steep discounts. “Delta is bringing together innovative technologies and partnerships to create a connected travel experience from start to finish,” said Bastian. “This creates more choice for customers to get to their destination in a way that works best for them.”
Delta Concierge has partnered with electric air taxi startup Joby, who hope to eventually offer carbon neutral transport to and from the airport.
On the Uber partnership, Delta’s Newsroom said “with more than 15% of all Uber ride bookings either beginning or ending at an airport, the partnership underscores the home to destination connectivity Delta plans to bring across its experience through integrations with beloved everyday brands and companies.” This discount also applies to some Uber Eats purchases.
Upgraded Onboard Entertainment
Delta’s IFE is getting a major upgrade. The current systems will be phased out in favor of 4K HDR QLED screens by Thales Avionics, the same company who has installed the IFE on Emirates’ new A350s. Allen Pham, a spokesperson for Delta, confirmed that the new screens would be “available in all cabins – not just first class.” The screens will also feature Bluetooth connectivity, so you can use AirPods with them rather than buying an adapter.
Not only is the hardware getting an update, but so is the software. Passengers will enjoy a more integrated, seamless experience, plus some really cool new features:
- Free YouTube Premium
- Access to the full library of YouTube Music
- Access to Paramount+
- Instant customization sync by just signing in with your SkyMiles account
- The ability to prepare a full itinerary for your destinations city, including the ability to book transportation, restaurant reservations, and even accommodations from your IFE
There the CEO also hinted at a partnership with sports betting company DraftKings, though details on the particulars are not known.
NFL star Tom Brady appeared on stage. Brady is apparently going to create a wellness series called “Well Traveled," and specifics aren’t quite clear.