Delta Air Lines opened its 100th-anniversary year with a January 7, 2025, CES keynote at Sphere in Las Vegas. CEO Ed Bastian hosted the event, which paired an immersive centennial showcase with announcements about an AI travel assistant, in-flight entertainment and connected travel. Lenny Kravitz performed after the keynote.
What happened at Delta’s CES 2025 keynote?
Delta used the opening-day keynote to connect its aviation history with its vision for travel technology. The event took place at Sphere, with programming extending beyond the auditorium into the venue’s Atrium and Exosphere.
Before the keynote, attendees could explore an interactive exhibit in the Atrium. The Exosphere showed destination-inspired 360-degree scenes during the day and images of five aircraft representing stages in aviation’s evolution at night. The Atrium exhibit featured employee stories, company artifacts, a virtual pilot-training experience and a preview of Delta Locals, a travel-planning platform.
After the keynote, multiple-GRAMMY-Award-winning artist Lenny Kravitz gave an exclusive performance.
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- Realistic airplane model: Officially licensed by Delta Air Lines with authentic, highly detailed markings and designs accurate to the real plane
- Toy airplane for kids: This must-have for the young aviator in your life includes a single toy plane with rolling wheels and authentic livery
- Size: Plane model measures approximately 5.75 inches in length with a 5- inch wingspan, perfectly sized for easy display and handling
- Quality materials: Die-cast metal airplanes with plastic parts, no assembly required
- Let your imagination fly: Daron airplanes have brought smiles to kids and collectors since 1990 as America’s source of aviation-related collectibles and transportation themed toys
What did Delta announce about travel technology?
Delta Concierge
Delta presented Delta Concierge as a proposed, always-on AI travel assistant. The keynote introduced the concept as part of a broader effort to make travel more connected; it did not establish that the assistant was generally available to customers at the time.
Connected travel and mobility
Delta described an ecosystem that would connect air travel with Uber rides and Joby’s electric air-taxi service. The announcement presented these as partner links in a future travel experience, not as proof that an integrated service was already operating for all customers.
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- Purpose & Use – Perfect for collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or as a display piece, this snap-fit model assembles quickly without glue and includes a sturdy display stand
- Perfect Size – At 1/200 scale, the model measures approximately 13 inches long with a 12 ½-inch wingspan—large enough to impress while fitting neatly on shelves or desks
- Quality Materials – Made from durable solid injection-molded plastic for long-lasting quality, smooth finishes, and detailed realism
- Brand Excellence – From SkyMarks by Daron, a trusted leader in collectible aircraft models, delivering officially licensed replicas that celebrate modern aviation design and engineering
Delta Sync and YouTube
Delta also highlighted the evolution of Delta Sync, its connected-travel experience. A YouTube partnership was described for logged-in SkyMiles members: on most flights, they could watch creators’ videos, podcasts and music ad-free. “Most flights” is the stated scope; the announcement did not promise the benefit on every flight.
What did SkyMiles members get at CES?
Delta’s event preview described several benefits for attendees and eligible members:
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Rank #3
- Realistic airplane model: Officially licensed by Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 with authentic, highly detailed markings and designs accurate to the real plane
- Toy airplane for kids: This must-have for the young aviator in your life includes a single toy plane with rolling wheels and authentic livery
- Size: Plane model measures approximately 5.75 inches in length with a 5- inch wingspan, perfectly sized for easy display and handling
- Quality materials: Die-cast metal airplanes with plastic parts, no assembly required
- Let your imagination fly: Daron airplanes have brought smiles to kids and collectors since 1990 as America’s source of aviation-related collectibles and transportation themed toys
- CES ticket holders could explore the Atrium exhibit, receive complimentary food and beverages, attend the post-keynote performance and access special SkyMiles experiences.
- SkyMiles members could use express CES badge pickup at Harry Reid International Airport from January 5 through 7, 2025. Pickup was subject to availability and supplies.
- Eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express cardmembers had event-specific access benefits, including dedicated Sphere entry and access to a Reserve lounge, subject to the event’s eligibility and availability terms.
These were benefits tied to the CES event, not general or ongoing SkyMiles entitlements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How did CES fit into Delta’s centennial?
Delta marked 100 years in 2025. The company traces its beginnings to aerial crop-dusting before its growth into a global airline. CES served as the opening event for the anniversary year; it was not the only centennial celebration. At its Centennial Gala on March 15, 2025, Delta revealed a centennial-livery aircraft accompanied by a score from Hans Zimmer.
Rank #4
- Purpose & Use – Perfect for collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or as a display piece, this snap-fit model assembles quickly without glue and includes a sturdy display stand
- Perfect Size – At 1/200 scale, the model measures approximately 13 inches long with a 12 ½-inch wingspan—large enough to impress while fitting neatly on shelves or desks
- Quality Materials – Made from durable solid injection-molded plastic for long-lasting quality, smooth finishes, and detailed realism
- Brand Excellence – From SkyMarks by Daron, a trusted leader in collectible aircraft models, delivering officially licensed replicas that celebrate modern aviation design and engineering
Bastian framed the technology announcements around the role of people in travel: “New marvels like AI, the digital revolution and sustainable technology are giving us incredible tools to transform the travel experience. But amid the wonder of new technology, we’ve always understood that the entire point of innovation is to lift people up.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COMMEMORATIVE SPECIAL LIVERY – Celebrates Delta Air Lines' historic 100th anniversary with the stunning special livery design featured on their Airbus A350-900 fleet, capturing this milestone moment in aviation history
- MUSEUM-QUALITY 1:200 SCALE MODEL – Precision-crafted die-cast metal construction with detailed landing gear, accurate wing shape, and authentic Delta 100th anniversary paint scheme for discerning collectors and aviation enthusiasts
- DISPLAY-READY COLLECTIBLE – Includes sturdy display stand for stable presentation on desks, shelves, or in display cases; perfect size at approximately 13 inches long for showcasing without taking excessive space
- AUTHENTIC AIRCRAFT DETAILS – Features accurate GE turbofan engine replicas, properly scaled windows, doors, and control surfaces, plus the distinctive 100th anniversary livery graphics exactly as seen on Delta's real A350 aircraft
- IDEAL GIFT FOR AVIATION FANS – Perfect for Delta Air Lines enthusiasts, airline memorabilia collectors, model aircraft hobbyists, or anyone who appreciates milestone aviation history and modern wide-body aircraft
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