Delta Air Lines' centennial year kicks off with innovation, AI, and new partnerships.
Delta Air Lines, based in Atlanta, celebrated its 100th anniversary with a unique keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on Tuesday.
While the talk, hosted by the carrier’s CEO, Ed Bastian, focused on new objectives and collaborations, one aspect was clear: Delta’s dedication to putting people first.
Viola Davis, Tom Brady, and Lenny Kravitz headlined the entertaining presentation, which also included officials from other companies with which the heritage airline would collaborate. Delta also provided a view into the future of aviation, which is fueled by artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation.
Driving the passenger experience with Delta Concierge.
The event was held at Sphere in Las Vegas on the first day of CES 2025. Davis delivered a speech before Bastian was introduced to the stage.
The CEO of Delta shared ambitions to “transform the travel experience” through people-first initiatives against the backdrop of a bright Airbus A350-900.
“New marvels such as artificial intelligence, the digital revolution, and sustainable technology provide us with great tools for transforming the travel experience. But, amidst the beauty of new technology, we’ve always known that the ultimate goal of innovation is to elevate people up.”
One of the main ways Delta intends to improve the passenger experience is through modern technologies. Delta Concierge, a digital tool incorporated within the Fly Delta app, will streamline travel and create smooth and personalized encounters for each traveler using AI.
The airline’s technology, dubbed “almost like a personal assistant,” uses natural language text or voice input to simplify trip planning for passengers.
This year, Delta Concierge will advise passengers about visa requirements and passport expiration dates. Over the next few years, Delta hopes the application will provide travelers with destination-specific information, such as weather updates, to aid in packing and preparedness.
Uber & YouTube Collaborations
Delta Concierge allows SkyMiles members to easily access their membership perks throughout their journey. Another direction the airline is taking is connecting the passenger’s trip schedule from start to finish. Bastian and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced a new relationship that will greatly benefit SkyMiles members.
According to Khosrowshahi, 50% of Uber bookings begin or end at an airport.”That’s why we’re starting with something we know is critical to Delta consumers. That is SkyMiles. SkyMiles members can earn miles when they utilize Uber and Uber Eats.
Every Uber X, Reserve, and Premium ride will be eligible for the mileage-earning feature. Khosrowshahi also confirmed that members can earn miles for eligible restaurant and grocery store deliveries ordered through Uber Eats.
Once Delta Concierge is fully operational, the digital tool will collaborate with Uber to assist travelers in effortlessly scheduling a ride before their flight or when they reach at their destination airport. In the future, tourists will be able to book electric air taxi services through Joby.
Delta established an exclusive collaboration with YouTube. It follows the debut of Delta Sync for SkyMiles members in 2023. Delta Sync seatback technology now allows users to watch YouTube videos, listen to music, and podcasts without advertisements on most flights.
YouTube’s Chief Business Officer, Mary Ellen Coe, discussed the new relationship.
“Any screen, anywhere, and now even when in the air, on a plane. That’s why we’re so happy to collaborate with Delta to provide YouTube’s incredible producers and content in a carefully curated format. “Unique to Delta’s in-flight entertainment ecosystem.”
NFL announcer Tom Brady joined Bastian on stage to promote a new travel show dubbed Well Traveled, which will be available on Delta flights later this year.
“Travel isn’t just an opportunity – it’s our responsibility.”
Delta is working to establish a better world for the next 100 years by focusing on sustainable projects and technology that will revolutionize the future of aviation. Delta will collaborate with Airbus’s UpNext innovation center, building on their existing partnership.
The two firms will investigate folding wing performance, making sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) more available and inexpensive, and other initiatives to bring the world together.
“It is estimated that at least 80 percent of the world’s population has never flown. As an international airline, we see it as our obligation to enhance global travel access.”We live in a divided world, which makes what we do at Delta so vital. Our job is not to convey people. “It is to bring them together.”
Lenny Kravitz, a Grammy-winning musician, closed out the lecture. Delta has not made any public announcements on its centennial year, but more are expected, including the debut of a new special livery on A321neo and A350-900.
