Delta Air Lines has announced a significant upgrade to its in-flight entertainment system, revealing plans to install 4K HDR QLED screens on its commercial airplanes. The move is set to revolutionize the in-flight entertainment experience, providing passengers with ultra-high-definition visuals at 30,000 feet.

The announcement was made during Delta's CES keynote at the Sphere in Las Vegas, where the airline also celebrated its centennial with a musical performance by Lenny Kravitz. The new screens will be installed in partnership with Thales Avionics, an in-flight technology company that is also working with Emirates to upgrade its Airbus A350-900s.

While the exact timeline for the rollout is unclear, Delta has confirmed that the upgrades will not begin until 2026. It remains to be seen whether the new screens will be available to all passengers or reserved for those in first class. A spokesperson for Delta did not immediately respond to questions about access.

In addition to the 4K HDR QLED screens, Delta is also expanding its in-flight entertainment features. The airline has been testing Bluetooth connectivity for several years and has started quietly rolling it out to some planes. The feature will soon be available in all cabins, allowing passengers to pair their personal wireless devices.

Delta's in-flight entertainment will also feature an advanced recommendation engine tailored to each passenger's unique taste. Although details about the engine's functionality are scarce, it is expected to provide personalized content suggestions to passengers. Furthermore, the airline is partnering with Wi-Fi provider Hughes to improve in-flight internet connectivity, enabling "multi-network connectivity" for more reliable and stable browsing.

The partnership with Hughes will also enable SkyMiles members to stream YouTube ad-free, a perk that will undoubtedly be popular among frequent flyers. Additionally, a new "Do Not Disturb" mode will allow passengers to sleep undisturbed, free from notifications and distractions.

Beyond in-flight entertainment, Delta is revamping its app to include an AI-powered "Concierge" chatbot. This feature will use the traveler's location and arrival and departure information to suggest more efficient routes and notify users about upcoming passport expirations or visa requirements. In the future, the Concierge feature will be able to make more specific recommendations around packing and weather planning.

Delta is also offering SkyMiles customers the ability to link their Uber account, earning miles and other perks. These include earning 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. Additionally, customers can earn 1 mile per dollar spent on eligible restaurant and grocery orders.

In a broader effort to reduce its environmental impact, Delta is working with Airbus to design more fuel-efficient airplanes. The airline aims to make sustainable aviation fuel account for at least 95 percent of its fuel consumption by 2050. To achieve this goal, Delta will collaborate with Airbus on scaling the use of sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen-powered flight projects, and new designs such as more fuel-efficient wings or wake energy retrieval.

Overall, Delta's announcement marks a significant step forward in enhancing the in-flight entertainment experience for passengers. With its commitment to sustainability and innovation, the airline is poised to remain at the forefront of the aviation industry in the years to come.