Delta Partners With New Connectivity Provider To Expand Fast, Free Wi-Fi

It’s only been 10 months since Delta Air Lines rolled out its fast, free in-flight Wi-Fi, powered by T-Mobile, on mainline domestic flights and the carrier’s connectivity overhaul continues to gain momentum.

More than 115,000 SkyMiles Members now connecting daily for the purposes of streaming, shopping, emailing, messaging and more as they sail through the skies.

To further realize its vision of “connecting the skies”, Delta today announced the formation of a new partnership with satellite service provider Hughes, which will bring streaming-capable onboard connectivity to its regional fleet, starting sometime in mid-2024.

Currently, more than 600 of Delta’s domestic mainline aircraft feature this fast, free Wi-Fi and passengers already logged 32 million streaming-quality sessions over the past year.

One unique aspect of this program is Delta Sync, an exclusive portal accessible when passengers connect to the onboard Wi-Fi using their SkyMiles Membership. Delta Sync offers exciting perks, such as a free 24-hour streaming pass to Paramount+ and additional benefits, enhancing the passenger experience in the air.

As part of a Q&A interview posted on Delta’s news hub, Juliet McCurry, the airline’s Vice President of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity, provided insights into the project's progress and future plans.

Asked what her team has learned since Delta first announced the fast, free Wi-Fi program at CES 2023, McCurry said, “We were confident customers would be happy about the announcement, but we could not have foreseen the impact that connectivity has had on their experience.

“Fast, free Wi-Fi ranks among the top three drivers of customer satisfaction on Delta—so much that it actually improves the entire onboard experience as a result,” she continued.
“Customers value connection. And just like they would at home, they want the flexibility to spend their time in a way that suits them, and we’re proud to offer industry-leading experiences no matter their choice.”

McCurry revealed, “Customers traveling short-haul routes on our Boeing 717s and fleet of regional jet aircraft can look forward to free Wi-Fi and Delta Sync next year.” 

Of Delta Sync itself, she said, “It’s an umbrella brand that currently encompasses two industry-leading entertainment products for SkyMiles members that we’ve been rolling out as part of the Wi-Fi experience onboard. The first product is available on your personal devices—cell phones, laptops, etc.—via the Delta Sync Wi-Fi login page, and the second product, Delta Sync seatback, is an update to our beloved seatback screens that makes them feel more like smart TVs.

“We’ve loved hearing what customers have to say about Delta Sync. They’ve told us it helps them maximize their travel time, and they love being able to use multiple screens to stay entertained and productive,” she added.

McCurry also explained that the partnership with satellite connectivity provider Hughes, “paves the way for new Wi-Fi equipment to be added to more than 400 aircraft starting in mid-2024. These aircraft will also receive the new Delta Sync Wi-Fi login experience as new systems are installed. Customers onboard will enjoy reliable, streaming-quality connectivity on all their personal devices from gate to gate.”

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