Delta Air Lines is partnering with YouTube to offer ad-free content through its in-flight entertainment system, part of a broader technology upgrade announced at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.

Image Credits: Variety

Ad-Free YouTube Content for SkyMiles Members

The collaboration will provide Delta SkyMiles members exclusive access to ad-free YouTube creators, podcasts, and music during flights. This service will be available on aircraft equipped with Delta Sync Wi-Fi and seatback screens. Delta CEO Ed Bastian introduced the partnership during his CES 2025 keynote, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to delivering innovative in-flight experiences.

“Whether through Delta Sync Wi-Fi or Delta Sync seatback, Delta prides itself on giving customers something new to discover every time they travel,” stated Bastian. He described the YouTube partnership as a way to offer “the most premium source of content in the industry for free,” supported by Delta’s fast, free Wi-Fi.

“People want access to their favorite content – whether that’s on TVs, on their phones – or even onboard a plane,” added Mary Ellen Coe, Chief Business Officer at YouTube. “We’re thrilled to partner with Delta to bring YouTube creators, podcasts, and music directly to their in-flight entertainment.”

Yannick Assouad, Thales Executive Vice President of Avionics, praised the advancements: “This partnership brings endless opportunities to connect and engage travelers on their journeys through our cloud-native IFE system.”

In-Flight Entertainment Upgrades

Delta is also working with Thales Avionics to introduce next-generation hardware. Beginning in 2026, select new aircraft deliveries will feature upgraded Delta Sync seatback systems, offering:

• 4K HDR QLED displays for superior video quality.
• Bluetooth connectivity across all cabin classes.
• 96-terabyte storage capacity, fifty times larger than current systems.

Enhanced Features for Personalized Travel

The new Delta Sync system will include advanced features designed to elevate the passenger experience:

• Personalized Recommendations: An advanced recommendation engine tailored to customer preferences.
• Privacy Features: A “Do Not Disturb” mode for uninterrupted travel.
• Onboard Experience Planner: Tools for setting preferences on service interruptions and meal times.
• Fly Delta App Integration: Seamless Wi-Fi access and preference settings through the app.

Multi-Network Connectivity for Global Streaming

Delta is also developing a multi-network connectivity solution in collaboration with Hughes, which is set to launch in late 2025. This system aims to enhance streaming reliability across Delta’s global network, ensuring passengers enjoy uninterrupted entertainment on personal devices.

Currently, Delta offers free Delta Sync Wi-Fi on over 700 aircraft and boasts more than 165,000 seatback screens. The airline notes its new cloud-based infrastructure—the “first of its kind in commercial aviation”—promises faster and more dynamic content delivery.

Future Enhancements

Delta also plans to roll out additional features, including:

• Expanded food and beverage customization options.
• Guided wellness features to enhance passenger comfort.
• Translated messages on seatback screens in passengers’ preferred languages.

The announcement comes as Delta begins its 100th anniversary celebrations, with the airline positioning these technological upgrades as part of its vision for enhancing passenger experience through digital innovation.

“Our customers expect their travel experience to adapt and evolve with them,” said Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s SVP of Customer Experience Design. “They want it to be intuitive, contextual, and seamless.”