04 September, 2024

Delta Sync seatback rolls out to more planes, BBC News joins live tv lineup

One year after its debut, Delta Sync seatback has expanded the smart TV-like update to more than 330 aircraft. A new software release introduces updated features designed to put more day-of travel information at customers’ fingertips. What’s more – BBC News joins the lineup of global networks available on live TV. 


One year after debuting Delta Sync seatback on the first A321ceo, customers travelling on more than 330 Delta aircraft can now enjoy the personalized experience that makes the airline’s beloved 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.  
 
Delta Sync seatback is now available on five fleet types as part of the first phase of the rollout: all A321ceos, , A320s, A319s, most 75Ds and many 738s, representing 40% of total in-flight entertainment enplanements. With more than 165,000 seatback screens across Delta’s fleet—the most of any U.S.-based carrier—the airline expects to begin expanding the product to additional fleet types soon.  

“We have introduced customers to a seatback product that is meaningful and relevant to how they go about their lives,” says Julieta McCurry, VP of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity Strategy. “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.”  

Customers can also look forward to a major in-flight entertainment software release on their seatback, which includes updates like a new kids’ entertainment view, reimagined flight tools and more, as well as platform performance and stability improvements.   

“We’ve learned a lot from our customers in the first year of Delta Sync seatback,” McCurry says. “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.” 

Harnessing the power of connectivity  


First announced at CES 2023, Delta is carrying out its industry-leading commitment to bringing fast, free Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile to its entire global fleet. Today, fast, free Wi-Fi is available to SkyMiles members on more than 90% of Delta’s domestic fleet and is rolling out to international routes. But connectivity for all is just the beginning. Delta Sync seatback is one example of how Delta is using the power of that connectivity to provide even more value to customers.  

“We’re seeing that access to Delta Sync seatback improves the overall in-flight entertainment experience, with SkyMiles Members who log in reporting higher satisfaction than those who don’t,” McCurry says. “And access to free Wi-Fi hasn’t cannibalized the demand for seatback content. The opposite, in fact—consumption of seatback content has increased from 2023 to 2024. Customers increasingly want a multi-device experience like they’re used to at home.”  

New features rolling out to the smart TV experience  

Delta Sync seatback users can expect several new features as part of the latest software release, including new ways to help streamline day-of travel.  

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My Flight

The new My Flight experience is a one-stop-shop for all day-of-travel-related information, including real-time flight tracker, connecting flight status, 3D route maps and airport maps for wayfinding.




Kids Experience 


The new Kids Experience is a place to find and explore content, music and games curated for Delta’s youngest travellers (Note: Delta Sync seatback login is not required to access the new Kids Experience.)



Seat numbers 


Seat numbers are now prominently displayed on the seatback screens to help customers find their seats during boarding. 






New network, content and more on your seatback screen  

Delta Sync seatback is upgrading the in-flight entertainment experience by highlighting Delta Studio content in new and intuitive ways that weren’t previously possible. The dynamic multi-tile home screen, along with content and collection spotlights, puts Delta’s industry-leading, hand-picked content front and centre, offering customers a more prominent and accessible viewing experience.  

Whether customers are enjoying these features on a Delta Sync seatback-equipped flight or exploring one of the other 165,000 seatback screens across Delta’s fleet, there’s something for everyone to discover.  

Now boarding: BBC News on Live TV  

Starting this September, BBC News will join the list of premier channels on Delta’s live satellite TV1, giving customers free access to the broadcaster’s trusted global journalism.  

“BBC Studios has been a valued partner to Delta for many years, working with us to bring diverse and premium content to travellers of all ages,” says Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Managing Director, of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity. “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.”

BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC, and Delta Air Lines partnership will bring the live, 24-7 BBC News channel to passengers on Delta’s fleet of domestic aircraft for the first time. The deal unlocks access to the BBC’s world-class programming and delivers up-to-the-minute breaking news for Delta passengers flying in the U.S. on aircraft equipped with live satellite TV.

"Delta Air Lines is a trailblazer in travel and we’re proud to expand our long-standing relationship to now include the launch of BBC News as part of their lineup of premier channels on their live satellite TV,” says Zina Neophytou, SVP Out of Home & BBC News Commercial Development at BBC Studios. “Whether at home, on the road, or in the air, access to trusted news is critical, and through this partnership, we continue to grow the availability of the BBC News channel to wider audiences outside the U.K.”

The BBC News channel carries the best of the BBC’s journalism and storytelling from around the globe. Driven by its public service mission and commitment to impartiality, the BBC News channel delivers 24-7 coverage of breaking news and moments of global significance in a way that only the BBC can.

Audiences on-board can turn to BBC News, the most trusted major news brand in the U.S., for impartial and insightful coverage of the world’s biggest moments, including U.S. evening primetime coverage anchored by chief presenters Sumi Somaskanda, and CaitrĂ­ona Perry from Washington D.C.

Additionally, audiences will be able to find popular BBC programs, including World News America, Influential with Katty Kay, Business Today, NYSE – Opening Bell and The Travel Show.

1Live satellite TV is available on the following aircraft within coverage areas: A220, A319, A320, A321, 737-800, 737-900, 757-200, 757-300. 
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