Delta is launching a cloud-based in-flight entertainment system, evolving the brand’s personalized Delta Sync experience introduced in 2023 for SkyMiles Members. Notably, YouTube will join the Delta Sync experience to bring customers fresh, dynamic, ad-free content. SkyMiles Members will soon enjoy their favorite creators, podcasts and music artists ad-free while onboard most flights with Delta Sync Wi-Fi and Delta Sync seatback as part of their in-flight entertainment.
In collaboration with Thales Avionics, a leader in in-flight technologies, Delta is introducing a "next-generation" Delta Sync seatback experience. The airline expects to bring this in-flight entertainment experience onboard beginning with select new aircraft deliveries starting in 2026. Delta customers will be among the first to enjoy the new hardware and software that upgrades Delta Sync seatback in several ways. Powered by the first cloud-based IFE infrastructure, the next-generation Delta Sync seatback experience will include:
- An intelligent 4K HDR QLED display, offering a high-contrast, vibrant "theater-like" viewing experience
- Bluetooth capabilities in all cabins so travelers can pair their personal wireless devices
- A 96-terabyte storage system with over fifty times the average Delta IFE system capacity, delivering even more high-quality content and streaming experiences
- An advanced recommendation engine tailoring content to customer preferences so they can spend less time scrolling
- Seatback features like “Do Not Disturb” mode that give travelers more control over their journey
Additionally, in partnership with Hughes, Delta is exploring a commercial aviation connectivity solution that will enable simultaneous multi-network connectivity, expected to fly onboard in late 2025. That means more reliable streaming to personal devices and more stable performance across Delta’s global network. Delta already offers fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi on more than 700 aircraft with Delta Sync Wi-Fi and more than 165,000 seatback screens across its global fleet. These upgrades to Delta Sync seatback will enable a guided, more intuitive experience for customers so they are empowered to spend their time in a way that suits them.
The Onboard Experience Planner helps SkyMiles Members use their flight time in the way that works best for them by providing greater visibility and control over their in-flight experience. Travelers will have the option to indicate preferences like whether they’d prefer not to be disturbed or want to be woken up for service, and these choices will be communicated to flight attendants. Future enhancements will include features such as guided wellness, expanded options for customizing the food and beverage experience, and other expert guidance.
Curated Collections delivers an enhanced, personalized entertainment experience with expanded content offerings. From multimedia collections to content curated with each SkyMiles Member and their destination in mind, these guides bring a new way to discover more on every journey.
Seatback announcement translation enables customers to understand crucial flight information, no matter their first language, making the travel experience more accessible to customers with hearing disabilities. Flight attendants will have the ability to send specific messages to seatback screens and translate them into customers’ preferred language, marking an important step forward on the path to deliver even more dynamic personalized in-flight communication capabilities in the future.
The Arrival Mode integrates essential day-of-travel information from the Fly Delta app directly into the seatback environment. This enhancement ensures SkyMiles Members have the information they need across devices to confidently transition to the next step of their journey, whether it’s making a smooth connecting flight or arranging ground transportation to their final location.
Furthermore, the Fly Delta app will include a new onboard experience that acts as a springboard into Delta Sync Wi-Fi directly from the app. SkyMiles Members logged in to the app will be connected to Delta Sync Wi-Fi with a few taps, making the process easier than ever before. This is one way customers can expect an even more integrated, cohesive experience on Delta digital channels.
For more information, visit www.delta.com.
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