Delta Air Lines Announced Big Changes at CES 2025
Big changes are in the works as Delta Air Lines celebrates 100 years at CES 2025. The airline is unveiling new ideas and partnerships to make air travel easier, greener, and more personal for everyone.
Delta held their announcements for big changes at The Sphere in Las Vegas, a groundbreaking entertainment venue redefining live experiences. Located near the Venetian Resort, this architectural marvel features a spherical design wrapped in LED panels that transform its exterior into a mesmerizing digital canvas. Inside, the venue offers cutting-edge technology, including a 16K resolution screen, immersive sound systems, and innovative lighting, creating an unparalleled sensory experience. With a capacity of over 18,000, The Sphere hosts concerts, immersive shows, and exclusive events that push the boundaries of entertainment. It has quickly become a must-visit destination, merging art, technology, and performance in a way no other venue can match. Daniel and I thought the venue and food served were great. They gave away $20 Uber cards to everyone also.
Award winning actress, Viola Davis celebrated Delta’s 100-year journey by highlighting the airline’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to connection. She praised Delta for overcoming challenges, breaking barriers, and embodying an indomitable spirit. Davis emphasized how Delta’s bold imagination turned dreams into reality, from its early days as a crop-dusting company in Georgia to becoming a global leader in aviation.
CEO of Delta Air Lines, Ed Bastian then took to the stage to celebrate the airline’s 100-year journey from a crop-dusting startup to a global aviation leader. He emphasized Delta’s focus on innovation, customer connections, and empowering employees to deliver exceptional service.
Bastian honored key employees, including those who funded Delta’s first Boeing 767 during tough times, aviation pioneers, and long-serving staff who embody the Delta spirit. He also highlighted the role of AI and technology in creating seamless, personalized travel experiences while staying true to Delta’s core values.
Your AI Travel Assistant: Delta Concierge
As a big change, Delta Concierge is seamlessly integrated into the Fly Delta app, empowering customers with more control and confidence in their travel. This innovative feature leverages generative AI to deliver personalized, effortless experiences that simplify every step of the journey.
“Delta is thinking differently about how we blend the digital and physical experiences, starting with the Fly Delta app,” said CEO Ed Bastian. Delta Concierge is to serve as an AI-powered personal assistant, combining customer preferences with the knowledge Delta has a one of the worlds most reliable airlines.
At CES in 2020 was when Delta first announces big changes with Delta Concierge envisioning stress-free, seamless travel. That vision becomes reality with Delta Concierge launching in 2025. Delta’s new Delta Concierge is like having a personal travel helper in the Fly Delta app. Delta Concierge simplifies pre-trip planning and keeps customers informed every step of the way. Starting this year, it will alert customers about expiring passports and visa requirements. In the future, the technology will provide destination-specific updates, such as weather forecasts, to assist with packing and preparation. Whether it’s finding your gate or making your trip smoother, this assistant is there to help, so you can relax.
Watch YouTube Premium for Free on Delta Flights
Mary Ellen Coe, Chief Business Officer of YouTube joined Bastian for the announcement that Delta has teamed up with YouTube to bring YouTube Premium and YouTube Music to SkyMiles members for free during flights. You can enjoy ad-free videos, exclusive content, and playlists on Delta’s amazing 4K HDR QLED screens. These new screens make in-flight entertainment clearer and more colorful than ever. Plus, with Bluetooth, you can use your own headphones for a better experience.
Delta Going Green with Airbus as a Big Change
Delta and Airbus are joining forces to create a greener future for air travel. They’re working on hydrogen-powered planes and increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to cut carbon emissions. The partnership includes efforts to increase the use of biofuels and explore hydrogen-powered flight projects, with the goal of significantly reducing emissions by 2050.
Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications at Airbus discussed advancements in fuel science and the company’s goal to reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions with each new generation of aircraft. Sustainable aviation fuel, made from renewable sources like cooking oil, is key to this effort. Airbus planes currently use a 50% blend of this fuel, with plans to reach 100% by 2030. The partnership with Delta aims to scale production, enhance energy security, and create economic growth, particularly in rural communities. At CES, Delta CEO Ed Bastian and Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury talked about their shared goal of a cleaner, more sustainable future for flying.
One Big Change for Delta is More Rewards with SkyMiles
Delta’s SkyMiles program now offers enhanced features that make earning and using rewards even simpler. Members can earn double miles on select purchases, allowing them to accumulate rewards faster. These miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and a variety of other benefits, offering more value and flexibility.
Easier Rides with Uber
Separately, Delta and Uber have partnered to streamline travel. By linking your SkyMiles and Uber accounts, you can earn miles on rides to and from the airport. Uber Rewards members also enjoy exclusive perks, such as priority boarding on Delta flights. This partnership ensures a seamless connection between ground transportation and air travel.
These updates reflect Delta’s commitment to improving the SkyMiles program and providing customers with more opportunities to enhance their journeys. Whether earning miles or enjoying new perks, travel has never been more rewarding.
Better Screens for In-Flight Entertainment are Among the Big Changes
Delta is upgrading its in-flight screens to 4K HDR QLED displays across its planes by 2026. These high-tech screens will give passengers the best viewing experience. When combined with free YouTube Premium, Delta is making sure you’re entertained every mile of the way.
Big Names at CES 2025 Helped With Delta’s Big Change Announcements
Delta’s keynote for the big changes at CES featured big names sharing their ideas. Viola Davis opened the keynote. NFL star Tom Brady is set to host an onboard video series called Well Traveled, offering travel tips to passengers. During the announcement, Brady shared three key travel tips: stay hydrated, stay active on the ground, and use flight time for focus and work. Disability advocate and fashion entrepreneur Sinéad Burke spoke on making travel and design more inclusive. The Delta CEO turned the stage at one point over to American Rocker, Lenny Kravitz. He gave a great performance, including his song, “I am here to be Human.” The special effects at the Sphere are unlike anything that I’ve seen before. After spending some time there, I think It’s the best way to see a concert in my opinion.
Looking to the Future
Delta is my absolute favorite airline to fly with and as a rewards member, I am looking forward to the planned partnerships, especially with Uber and SkyMiles. Delta announced big changes during Delta’s 100th-anniversary celebrations are all about moving forward. These innovations showcased at CES highlight its commitment to redefining travel and moving forward into the next century. These advancements emphasize smart partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability. Whether enjoying YouTube Premium at 30,000 feet or earning SkyMiles on your Uber ride, Delta announced big changes are designed to enhance convenience, personalization, and the overall travel experience. making travel more seamless and enjoyable for everyone. With a clear vision and groundbreaking innovations, Delta is working toward leading the way into the future of air travel.
