At the 2025 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Delta Airlines once again attracted significant attention by announcing a series of highly anticipated updates. The event took place at the striking Sphere venue, showcasing their latest technological advancements, including an AI assistant called "Delta Concierge" and an upgraded in-flight entertainment system.
The newly launched "Delta Concierge" AI assistant is expected to gradually roll out over the next year, allowing users to interact with it via voice or text. This assistant is designed to provide proactive suggestions and guidance to passengers, starting with notifications about expiring passports and visa requirements. In the future, the assistant will also provide relevant information such as local weather based on the destination. Additionally, passengers will receive guidance on luggage drop-off, access to Delta's Sky Club lounges, and boarding gates.
While these features sound quite practical, they are considered basic requirements in the industry rather than innovative highlights. For instance, services like checking passport expiration or informing about transfer boarding gates do not necessarily require AI intervention.
Delta Airlines also announced a brand new in-flight entertainment system set to launch in 2026. This system is described as "the first cloud-based in-flight entertainment system" and will significantly enhance the existing entertainment experience, featuring 4K HDR QLED displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 96TB onboard storage system capable of holding a wealth of content including movies, TV shows, and music.
However, Delta seems to be lagging behind in these upgrades. Compared to Delta, United Airlines has already updated its fleet with 4K displays and Bluetooth connectivity. Although Delta's system is cloud-connected, the differences in passenger experience are not particularly pronounced, especially as United's fleet will soon implement Starlink connectivity, while Delta plans to offer free YouTube Premium and YouTube Music.
During the CES presentation, Delta Airlines also mentioned the "flock flying" project in collaboration with Airbus, which aims to have aircraft fly in formations like geese to save fuel. This concept has been around for several years, but the likelihood of practical application remains low due to the need for numerous regulatory changes.
Key Points:
🌐 Delta Airlines introduces the "Delta Concierge" AI assistant, offering services such as passport and visa notifications.
🎬 The new in-flight entertainment system will launch in 2026, equipped with 4K HDR displays and 96TB of storage.
✈️ The "flock flying" project in collaboration with Airbus is still in the experimental phase, and practical implementation will take time.
