Delta launching cloud-based IFE; YouTube partnership
January 8, 2025

Delta is launching a cloud-based in-flight entertainment system – evolving the brand’s personalised Delta Sync experience introduced in 2023 for SkyMiles Members.
“Technology has the power to transform travel and create moments for our customers to enjoy the journey as much as the destination,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Whether through fast, free Wi-Fi, our industry-leading seatback screens or any of the other personalised channels in Delta’s digital ecosystem, we’re committed to creating a seamless and enriching experience for our SkyMiles Members.”
The new in-flight entertainment system is setting the stage for even more content and partnerships. Announced during a CES 2025 keynote, YouTube will join the Delta Sync experience to bring customers fresh, ad-free content– making travel even more personalised and relevant today. SkyMiles Members will soon be able to watch their favourite creators, podcasts and music artists ad-free while onboard most flights with Delta Sync Wi-Fi and Delta Sync seatback as part of their in-flight entertainment.
In collaboration with Thales Avionics, a player in in-flight technologies, Delta is also introducing a next-generation Delta Sync seatback experience. The airline expects to bring this in-flight entertainment experience onboard beginning with select new aircraft deliveries starting in 2026. Powered by the first cloud-based IFE infrastructure, the next-generation Delta Sync seatback experience will include:
- An intelligent 4K HDR QLED display, offering a high-contrast, vibrant theatre-like viewing experience.
- Bluetooth capabilities in all cabins so travellers can pair their personal wireless devices.
- A 96-terabyte storage system – over fifty times the average Delta IFE system capacity – delivering more high-quality content and streaming experiences.
- An advanced recommendation engine tailoring content to customer preferences so they can spend less time scrolling and more time enjoying.
- Seatback features like ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode that give travellers more control over their journey.
Ranjan Goswami, Delta SVP – Customer Experience Design, commented: “As technology evolves, our customers expect their travel experience to adapt and evolve with them. They want it to be intuitive, contextual and seamless in a way that supports and guides them so that they can move through life with confidence. To stay ahead of those expectations, Delta is committed to continuously evolving our industry-leading digital experiences across channels to ensure the sky is never the limit – it’s only the beginning.”