Delta soars into Centennial year with game-changing innovations at CES 2025
Share this page
Delta’s appearance at the tech event commemorated a century of groundbreaking aviation milestones and the airline’s commitment to innovation, all powered by people.
Delta ushered in its 100th anniversary with a larger-than-life presence at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Spearheaded by a first-of-its-kind keynote delivered by CEO Ed Bastian at Sphere, Delta’s appearance at the tech event commemorated a century of groundbreaking aviation milestones and the airline’s commitment to innovation, all powered by people.
“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.”
Opening Day Keynote
As a buzz of excitement filled Sphere, Delta’s presence at CES was undeniable, drawing a crowd of thousands of attendees. The keynote began with a moving, in-person monologue by awarding-winning actress Viola Davis, whose poignant words set the tone for what was to come. The audience was then taken on a fully immersive flight journey, with Bastian being joined on stage throughout the keynote by Delta people and industry leaders to showcase the new technology and partnerships that will be part of Delta’s next 100 years.
Delta Concierge
Using Modern Technology to Drive Customer Experience
For the second act of the keynote, Bastian was joined by Qualtrics Co-Founder & Chairman Ryan Smith and Delta flight attendant Jeanie Brady to discuss how customer feedback shapes the future of travel, teeing up the introduction of Delta Concierge.
Built into the Fly Delta app, Delta Concierge is a digital tool that uses generative AI to create seamless and personalized moments while making a customer’s journey easier – almost like a personal assistant.
Creating New Modes of Seamless Travel
Bastian also outlined a multi-modal future of travel—where a single customer itinerary will be connected from start to finish through deep partner integrations. Sharing the stage with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Bastian announced a new partnership with the transport company that will allow customers to link their Uber and SkyMiles accounts and earn miles for eligible rides and deliveries.
To further lean on the ecosystem of connected travel, Delta Concierge will also connect with Joby’s electric air taxi service that promises to transform the travel experience with home-to-airport transportation in the years ahead.
Reimagining the Onboard Experience
To enhance its world-class onboard experience, Delta is introducing a groundbreaking cloud-based in-flight entertainment system. This new platform builds on the personalized Delta Sync experience that was launched in 2023 for SkyMiles Members, paving the way for expanded content offerings and collaborations with brands our customers know and love, like YouTube.
Alongside YouTube Chief Business Officer Mary Ellen Coe, Bastian announced a new partnership with the YouTube that will allow SkyMiles Members to 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.