by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:10 AM ET, Wed January 8, 2025
Delta Air Lines celebrated its 100th anniversary at CES 2025 in Las Vegas’ Sphere, announcing new technological advancements including more personalized entertainment features in the air, a new AI-powered Delta Concierge debuting in the Fly Delta app and a new partnership with Airbus to create the next generation of aviation.
The CES 2025 event welcomed the airline’s CEO, Ed Bastian, to showcase the last 100 years of achievements in aviation, and announce the new improvements.
“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.”
New Seatback Entertainment Enhancements
The new Delta Sync service will offer more personalized entertainment experiences for travelers. (Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines)
Among the new technological advances the airline announced are new improvements to the seatback entertainment experience to provide a more personalized experience for travelers, including a cloud-based in-flight entertainment system.
Delta Sync, the airline’s new seatback experience, will be available on new aircraft delivered in 2026 and beyond. The system will offer 4K HDR QLED displays, Bluetooth capabilities, more accessibility features, destination-focused collections and even a “Do Not Disturb” mode.
A new Delta Sync partnership with YouTube will allow SkyMiles Members to enjoy their favorite YouTube channels while in the air, totally ad-free.
“Technology has the power to transform travel and create moments for our customers to enjoy the journey as much as the destination,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Whether through fast, free Wi-Fi, our industry-leading seatback screens or any of the other personalized channels in Delta’s digital ecosystem, we’re committed to creating a seamless and enriching experience for our SkyMiles Members.”
Delta Concierge, An AI-Powered Assistant
The AI-powered Delta Concierge will help travelers through their planning and travel experience. (Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines)
Bastian also announced a new enhancement to its Fly Delta app, the AI-powered Delta Concierge. The technology can be used by travelers using natural language text or voice input to provide information about navigating the airport, packing for predicted weather conditions, and utilizing the benefits of a SkyMiles account.
It’ll also connect in future with Joby, the electric air taxi service that travelers will one day be able to use to go from their homes to the airport.
“Delta is thinking differently about how we blend the digital and physical experiences, starting with the Fly Delta app,” said Ed Bastian, CEO. “Our vision for Delta Concierge is that it will serve as an AI-powered personal assistant that combines the context of who our customers are and how they like to travel, with the deep knowledge and insights we’ve built as the world’s most reliable airline.”
Partnership with Uber
Additionally, travelers will soon be able to earn SkyMiles when using ridesharing service Uber. The partnership, which launches in the spring, is available for travelers to register by joining a waitlist online. Travelers who link their SkyMiles and Uber accounts will enjoy earning 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX transfers to and from an airport, 2 miles per dollar on premium rides and 3 miles per dollar on Uber Reserve rides. They'll also earn 1 mile per dollar spent on eligible restaurant and grocery delivery orders.
Partnership with Airbus and Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Two Delta Airbus aircraft. (Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines)
Delta also announced new partnerships for the future of aviation, including the Airbus UpNext program, which will work to create solutions to aviation problems like wing performance and fuel efficiency.
Delta will also test Airbus’s new fello’fly technique, which takes inspiration from geese on migration. By “pairing” two flights together, they’ll test how the technique can reduce fuel consumption through wake energy retrieval, which occurs when the first aircraft creates an uplift for the second. They’re also exploring a hydrogen-powered aircraft through the Airbus ZEROe project.
Delta also partnered with the Minnesota SAF Hub, which will encourage the production of more sustainable aviation fuels.
“It’s estimated that 80 percent or more of the world’s population has never experienced air travel. That’s why, as we continue to expand as an international airline, increasing the world’s access to travel isn’t just an opportunity – it's our responsibility,” Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines said on stage at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. “We live in a divided world, which is why what we do at Delta is so important. Our job isn’t to transport people. It’s to bring them together.”
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