Delta’s giving its in-flight screens a major 4K HDR upgrade

Delta Air Lines has announced plans to install new 4K HDR QLED screens on its commercial aircraft, so passengers can experience entertainment in ultra-high definition at ultra-high altitudes.

The news came as part of Delta CES Keynote at the Sphere in Las Vegaswhere he also planned to celebrate his centenary with a musical performance by Lenny Kravitz. The airline has announced a number of new features for air travelers, including new partnerships with YouTube and Uber, as well as a new AI-powered chatbot for customer service.

But the decision to add 4K screens to their planes is one that is sure to tickle the fancy of any air traveler who has ever stumbled upon the average quality of the current collection of seatback screens.

Delta says it is working with Thales Avionics, an in-flight technology company that also helps install high-definition screens on Emirates’ Airbus A350-900s. But don’t go looking for the new screens just yet: Delta says it won’t begin delivering the upgrades to the aircraft until 2026.

Who actually has access to the screens, however, answers the question of whether Delta sees this as technology for all passengers or just those in first class. A Delta spokesman did not immediately respond to questions about access.

Delta has been too test bluetooth connection for his fun in flight for many years and has even begun to launch quietly into some aircraft, as discovered by a TikTok users. Now, the airline says it plans to offer Bluetooth “in all cabins so travelers can pair their personal wireless devices” — though it hasn’t offered any specifics beyond that.

Delta’s in-flight entertainment will also include “an advanced recommendation engine” tailored to each passenger’s unique tastes. Again, we lack details about what powers this engine and how to know your particular taste. But by the end of 2025, we will get improved “connectivity” through a partnership with Wi-Fi provider Hughes, which will replace Intelsat in 2023. Delta says this will allow for “multi-network connectivity” for more ” reliable” and “stable” in-flight Internet.

Of course, it will help when streaming YouTube, which SkyMiles members will be able to do without ads, thanks to the platform’s new partnership with Delta. And a new “Do Not Disturb” mode for its seat screen will ensure passengers can sleep undisturbed.

Delta is revamping its app to include an AI-powered “Concierge” chatbot and a “multi-modal” feature that will include Uber and eventually air taxis from Joby.

The Concierge feature will use the traveler’s location and arrival and departure information to suggest more efficient routes and will alert users about upcoming passport deadlines or visa requirements. And “in the coming years,” Delta says the feature will be able to make more specific recommendations about packing and weather planning.

Delta also offers SkyMiles customers the ability to link their Uber account to earn miles and other perks. These include:

SkyMiles members can earn 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports, 2 miles per dollar on premium rides and 3 miles per dollar on Uber Reserve rides. Plus, 1 mile per dollar spent on eligible dining and grocery orders.

And finally, Delta says it’s working with Airbus to design more fuel-efficient planes. Delta has said that its goal is for sustainable aviation fuel to offset at least 95 percent of its fuel consumption by 2050. But achieving net zero emissions will be a tall task for an airline and will have to rethink every part of the business.

Now, Delta says it will work with Airbus to scale the use of sustainable aviation fuel, which is mainly biofuels made from plant or animal material. The two companies will collaborate on hydrogen-powered flight projects as well as new designs, such as more fuel-efficient wings or new formations to drive “wake energy recovery,” Delta says.