Shamraiz | January 9, 2025
Delta Air Lines Steals the Limelight at CES
Delta Air Lines has turned out to be one of the frequent head-turners at CES as the platform was used for some interesting unveilings. The airline made headlines yet again by announcing its latest tech-forward updates during a keynote at the iconic Sphere. The announcements included an AI-powered virtual assistant for its mobile app, a revamped in-flight entertainment system featuring 4K HDR displays and Bluetooth connectivity, and an exclusive perk for SkyMiles members—free access to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music during flights.
The biggest news from Delta’s announcements is the AI assistant, aptly named the Delta Concierge. It will roll out across the board throughout 2025. The smart assistant will be introduced in Delta’s mobile app and will be able to communicate through voice or text. Although AI-driven assistants have become the norm in the present technological landscape, Delta’s Concierge promises to be different: it will give passengers tailored advice and proactive notifications.
Initially, the AI will help travelers prepare for international trips by reminding them about expiring passports or visas. It will eventually be capable of providing travel-related updates like destination-specific local weather forecasts. The Concierge will also provide airport navigation services to passengers with directions to their respective bag drop counters, Sky Clubs, and departure gates.
The features sound promising, but some critics have noted that these functionalities, such as reminding passengers that their passport expires soon, do not necessarily require advanced AI. However, Delta’s move underscores its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences.
Next-Level In-Flight Entertainment
Delta also announced an important upgrade in its in-flight entertainment system, which it says is “the first cloud-based in-flight entertainment system.” In 2026, this next-generation system will feature 4K HDR QLED displays, Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones, and a huge 96-terabyte onboard storage system for movies, TV shows, and music.
While impressive, the announcement from Delta comes at a time when the airline is still playing catch-up with its competitor United Airlines, which has had similar 4K displays and Bluetooth functionality in its fleet. However, it is through a partnership with YouTube that Delta differentiates itself as SkyMiles members will enjoy free access to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music—a feature United currently does not have.
Innovative but Uncertain – The Airbus Collaboration
And in keeping with true CES tradition, Delta also announced a concept that may never see the light of day—in this case, literally. In collaboration with Airbus, the carrier said that it will continue to work on the fello’fly project, which envisions planes flying in formation, just like birds flying in a V. This would save fuel and reduce emissions, as well as reduce noise levels, but major regulatory barriers stand in the way of putting this into practice.
While some of Delta’s announcements may seem incremental updates rather than groundbreaking innovations, the airline’s focus on AI and connectivity seems to be pointing toward a wider shift toward smarter, more personalized air travel experiences. Whether through virtual assistants or next-gen entertainment systems, it is clear that Delta is going all in on technology to distinguish itself in an increasingly competitive market.
