Delta Rolls Out ‘Delta Sync’ and Adds BBC News to Live TV Lineup

As technology becomes integral to everyday life, airlines are racing to provide a more personalized and connected travel experience. Delta Air Lines is leading the way with its innovative in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, Delta Sync, which has expanded to more aircraft and added a significant upgrade: BBC News to its live TV lineup.

With these advancements, Delta is redefining what its passengers can expect regarding comfort, convenience, and entertainment during their journeys.

Smart TV Tech to the Skies

Delta introduced the Delta Sync seatback system in 2023, transforming in-flight screens into smart TVs that deliver a highly personalized experience for SkyMiles members.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

Initially rolled out on the airline’s Airbus A321, Delta Sync has since expanded to more than 330 aircraft, including A320s, A319s, and some Boeing 737-800s. By covering about 40 percent of Delta’s fleet, the airline is on track to upgrade its entire in-flight entertainment experience.

“We have introduced customers to a seatback product that is meaningful and relevant to how they go about their lives,” says Julieta McCurry, Delta’s Vice President 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.”

Personalized Tools and Travel Information

One of the most praised features of Delta Sync is its ability to streamline the day-of-travel experience. Passengers can access real-time flight information through the “My Flight” portal, including gate changes, connecting flights, a 3D route map, and even airport wayfinding. This one-stop shop for travel information helps passengers stay on top of their journey without the need for additional devices.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

For families traveling with young children, the new “Kids Experience” brings curated content, music, and games tailored for younger audiences. And as an added convenience, seat numbers are now prominently displayed on screens during boarding, making it easier for passengers to find their seats.

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

Connectivity Beyond Entertainment

Delta has also made strides with its commitment to fast, free Wi-Fi powered by T-Mobile. Available on more than 90 percent of Delta’s domestic flights, Wi-Fi is also being rolled out on international routes, further enhancing connectivity across the airline’s global network.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

This level of connectivity allows passengers to check emails or browse the internet, creating an integrated experience where passengers can engage with both their personal devices and seatback screens.

Interestingly, McCurry points out that the demand for seatback content has increased despite the availability of Wi-Fi. “Customers increasingly want a multi-device experience like they’re used to at home,” she says.

A New Addition to Live TV Lineup

Delta has upgraded its live TV offering for travelers who enjoy staying updated on world events while flying. Beginning in September, BBC News will be added to the airline’s live TV lineup, allowing passengers to access the renowned British journalism channel for free.

This addition complements Delta’s existing collection of over 300 movies, 500 TV episodes, and 120 playlists and podcasts on its in-flight entertainment system.

Photo: Airbus A220. Courtesy of Delta Air Lines / Chris Rank / Rank Studios 2018

“BBC Studios has been a valued partner to Delta for many years,” says Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Delta’s 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.”

Expanding to More Aircraft Types

With more than 165,000 seatback screens across Delta’s fleet, the expansion of Delta Sync to additional aircraft types is well underway.

Delta Sync is now available on five different fleet types, with more installations planned soon. Passengers on Delta’s A321ceos (old generation), A320s, A319s, and select Boeing 757 and 737 models are already experiencing this cutting-edge in-flight entertainment system.

Photo: Delta, Boeing 757-200. Courtesy of Delta

“We’re seeing that access to Delta Sync seatback improves the overall in-flight entertainment experience,” McCurry says. “Our focus remains on listening, learning, and innovating to deliver exactly what our customers want.”

As Delta continues to roll out Delta Sync across its fleet, passengers can look forward to an ever-more connected and personalized experience on board.

United is also in the race

As the race to enhance in-flight experiences intensifies, both Delta and United Airlines are pushing the boundaries of personalization and connectivity. United recently introduced Kinective Media, a groundbreaking media network that uses customer data to deliver tailored advertisements and content across its fleet.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

With nearly 100,000 seatback screens and a mobile app boasting close to 100 million sessions each month, United is tapping into customer behavior to create a highly individualized in-flight journey.

Delta, on the other hand, is setting new standards with its Delta Sync system, focusing on delivering smart travel tools, real-time updates, and seamless connectivity, all while keeping passengers entertained with curated global content.

As more aircraft are equipped with this cutting-edge system, Delta is leading the charge in transforming air travel into a connected and engaging experience from takeoff to landing. The future of flying is here, and Delta is redefining what it means to soar in the digital age.​