Delta Air Lines is taking the entertainment experience to the next level with its new installations of 4K HDR QLED screens on its commercial planes. It announced the move during its CES 2025 keynote at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
This development will bring ultra-high-definition entertainment to its passengers and further enhance the quality of in-flight media. This comes alongside announcing other groundbreaking news, such as partnerships with both YouTube and Uber, as well as an AI-powered chatbot for customer support.
Delta New 4K HDR Screens
Some of the highly anticipated updates coming to Delta's arsenal, following the company's CES keynote. Among these, one such is the fitment of the commercial aircraft armada with new 4K HDR QLED screens.
As part of a collaboration with Thales Avionics, the biggest in-flight technology firm in the world, Delta hopes to upgrade the quality of entertainment and live events on seats, replacing the low-quality screens that are now used by passengers.
The technology will not be available until 2026, but the news is already being debated widely among air travelers who have felt that the screen experience was too basic.
Unlike most of the luxury upgrades offered in first class, Delta will make its high-definition 4K screens accessible to passengers in every cabin from economy to premium suites. This is part of the improvement process by Delta regarding the in-flight entertainment experience for all its passengers, regardless of the fare classes.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Personalized Entertainment
Besides the 4K screens, Delta is upgrading its in-flight entertainment system through the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity for all passengers. On conclusion of rigorous testing over several years, Delta confirmed the availability of Bluetooth on all flights going forward from 2026.
According to The Verge, passengers will be able to connect personal wireless devices to the in-flight entertainment system. This often longed-for feature will make listening to movies, music, or playing games much easier without keeping uncomfortable wired headphones.
Delta is also working on an "advanced recommendation engine" to make the entertainment experience more personalized. Details are not yet available, but this system will personalize recommendations of content to each passenger, making it more customized and enjoyable. Additionally, the airline has been working with Hughes to deliver enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity to improve internet speed and stability for passengers, especially for those streaming videos from YouTube and other platforms.
SkyMiles Members Will Have Exclusive Perks
There are also a few exciting perks in store for SkyMiles members from Delta's partnership with YouTube. They will be able to enjoy ad-free streaming on YouTube while flying. Additionally, seat-back screens will come with a new "Do Not Disturb" mode, meaning that passengers can now sleep uninterrupted during their flights and avoid annoying screen notifications.
Delta will further improve the travel experience by updating its mobile app with an AI-powered Concierge feature. This chatbot will assist the passenger in getting real-time information about their flights, such as passport expiry dates, visa requirements, and more.
Eventually, the Concierge will also help with packing suggestions and weather planning based on the passenger's location and travel schedule.
Improved Uber Partnership and SkyMiles Benefits
In addition, Delta continues to strengthen its partnership with Uber, offering a range of rewards to SkyMiles members. Members can now link their Uber account to earn miles on rides to and from the airport. Additional perks include:
- 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to/from the airport
- 2 miles per dollar on premium Uber rides
- 3 miles per dollar on Uber Reserve rides
- 1 mile per dollar on eligible restaurant and grocery orders
Among the centenary celebrations, Delta also announced proposals for more environmentally friendly practices for aviation. As part of a partnership with Airbus, the carrier is working toward more fuel-efficient airplanes and speeding up the use of SAF.
Delta would see at least 95 percent of its jet fuel come from SAF by 2050 in taking major steps towards net-zero emission.
