Atlanta-based
Delta Air Lines
first unveiled its new innovative inflight entertainment (IFE) and connectivity system, Delta Sync, last year. It was initially installed on Airbus A321 aircraft, but now, one year later, Delta has rolled out its new seatback feature across four other aircraft types.
The installation of Delta Sync comes in phases. This first phase represents around 40% of the airline’s total implementation of the new system.
Installed on five aircraft types so far
Delta shared last week that passengers traveling on more than 330 aircraft can enjoy Sync. The carrier describes it as a “personalized experience that makes […] seatback screens feel more like a smart TV while offering a host of day-of-travel tools for SkyMiles Members designed to streamline their travel journey.” In addition to the A321, Delta Sync seatback is also available on A320s, A319s, most Boeing 757-200s in the “75D” configuration, and several 737-800s.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
The installations comprise just the first phase, as the carrier has more than 165,000 “beloved” seatback screens across its fleet, which it says is the most of any US airline. It will soon expand the product to additional aircraft types in its fleet, which includes the A220-100/-300, A321neo, A330-200/-200/-900neo, A350-900, 737-900ER, other 757-200 configurations, the 757-300, 767-300ER, and 767-400ER.
“Meaningful and relevant”
Julieta McCurry is Delta’s Vice President of IFE. The executive spoke about the new system and how it specifically benefits its frequent flyers.
“We have introduced customers to a seatback product that is meaningful and relevant to how they go about their lives. SkyMiles Members have already logged in to Delta Sync seatback more than a million times, enjoying personalized content and seamless guidance through their travel day.”
Photo: Delta Air Lines
Passengers can also look forward to updates on content such as entertainment for kids, reimagined flight tools, and improvements to the product’s performance, thanks to a major IFE software release.
“We’ve learned a lot from our customers in the first year of Delta Sync seatback,” McCurry explained. “Most importantly, we’ve learned that Delta has our finger directly on the pulse of what they want – a seamless, elevated and personalized in-flight experience. Our focus remains on listening, learning and innovating to deliver exactly that.”
Inside the features
One of the most notable features to help streamline day-of travel is the new “My Flight” experience. The feature is a “one-stop-shop” for airport connections, flight tracking, route maps, and flight status information. In addition, each seat number is clearly displayed on the screen, allowing passengers to find their seats easily.
WiFi notifications will pop up on the screen to inform travelers when inflight connectivity is available for their personal devices. Delta is also working on introducing its fast and free WiFi presented by T-Mobile to its entire fleet. The amenity is primarily on its narrowbody domestic aircraft, while passengers still have to pay for connectivity on a widebody aircraft.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
Delta is also expanding its channel lineup on aircraft equipped with live TV. Beginning this month, the airline will add BBC News to its list of channels.
“BBC Studios has been a valued partner to Delta for many years, working with us to bring diverse and premium content to travelers of all ages,” the carrier’s Managing Director of IFE and Connectivity, Ekrem Dimbiloglu, said. “We’re proud to elevate the partnership in a new way by adding BBC News to our live TV lineup and strengthening our commitment to offering global content to our customers as they travel to destinations around the world.”
Live TV is only available in certain areas and is equipped on the A220-100/-300, A319, A320, A321, A321neo, 737-800, 737-900ER, 757-200, and 757-300.