Delta Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Cloud-Based IFE System

Delta is launching a first-of-its-kind, cloud-based in-flight entertainment system to continue delivering a best-in-class onboard experience – evolving the global brand’s personalized Delta Sync experience introduced in 2023 for SkyMiles Members. 

“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.”  

The new in-flight entertainment system is setting the stage for even richer content and partnerships with trusted brands. Announced today from the CES 2025 keynote stage, YouTube will join the Delta Sync experience to bring customers fresh, dynamic, ad-free content that reflects their lifestyles and how they stay entertained at home – making travel even more personalized and relevant today, with even greater possibilities for the future.  

Premium Partnership with YouTube  

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. This partnership underscores Delta’s dedication to bringing the at-home entertainment experience to the sky.  

The new partnership reflects Delta’s vision of blending cutting-edge technology with meaningful collaborations to enhance the travel experience. It creates a unique opportunity to elevate discovery, champion diverse voices and bring travelers a curated experience that goes beyond traditional in-flight entertainment.  

Next-Gen Tech Powering Personalized Journey  

In collaboration with Thales Avionics, a global 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, state-of-the-art hardware and software that upgrades Delta Sync seatback in several never-before-seen 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 theatre-like viewing experience that looks as great onboard as it does at home.  

• Bluetooth® capabilities in all cabins so travelers can pair their personal wireless devices.  

• Groundbreaking 96-terabyte storage system – 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 and more time enjoying.  

• Seatback features like “Do Not Disturb” mode that give travelers more control over their journey and enable Delta people to deliver the exceptional service they’re known for.  

These innovations and more are unlocked by Delta’s industry-leading connectivity. In partnership with Hughes, Delta is exploring first-of-its-kind in 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 is an industry leader in in-flight entertainment and connectivity, with fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi on more than 700 aircraft today with Delta Sync Wi-Fi and more than 165,000 seatback screens across its global fleet.

Hyper-Personalized Digital Features  

These award-winning upgrades to Delta Sync seatback will enable a guided, more intuitive experience for customers so they are empowered to navigate a frictionless travel journey with confidence and, just like they would at home, have the flexibility to spend their time in a way that suits them.  

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 seamlessly communicated to flight attendants.  

Future enhancements will include features like guided wellness, expanded options for customizing the food and beverage experience and other expert guidance designed to make every trip the best it can be.

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, and makes 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 robust and dynamic personalized in-flight communication capabilities in the future.  

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.  

More Integration Across Digital Platforms

What’s more – 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.