DELTA'S EPIC KEYNOTE AT CES 2025
- Priscilla Nakane
- Jan 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Delta Airlines Takes CES by Storm with Groundbreaking Keynote at The Sphere in Las Vegas
In a show-stopping display of innovation, legacy, and human connection, Delta Airlines delivered what many are calling the most impressive keynote of CES 2025. DELTA'S EPIC KEYNOTE AT CES 2025! Held at the jaw-dropping Sphere in Las Vegas, the airline marked its 100th year of flying by taking attendees on a multi-sensory journey that was equal parts celebration and visionary roadmap for the future of travel.
The keynote wasn’t just about technology or travel; it was about honoring the human impact at the core of Delta’s mission - a mission to honor the humanity of its customers and employees while innovating as the leader in social impact air travel. From the heartfelt words of Delta CEO, Ed Bastian, to the beaming faces of the honored tenured employees shown larger than life on the LED screen of The Sphere, it was evident that Delta places high value on its employees and its customers, making it stand out from the typical commercial brand. And the Delta 2025 CES Keynote was definitely an experience that reinforced connection, innovation, and humanity while telling the story of a brand with heart. — Delta clearly demonstrated why they’ve remained at the forefront of aviation for a century.
Delta pulled out all the stops for its centennial celebration, which featured Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis as a keynote speaker. Fresh off her Golden Globes win, Davis delivered a heartfelt message on the power of travel to connect people, transform lives, and inspire change. Her speech struck an emotional chord with the audience, tying directly into Delta’s commitment to people-first travel experiences.
The surprises kept coming when NFL legend Tom Brady took the stage to talk about his new partnership with Delta and his upcoming travel series, Well Traveled, which will be exclusively available on Delta flights. The back and forth banter between Brady and Bastian was comfortable while Brady’s presence underscored Delta’s forward-thinking approach to in-flight entertainment, showcasing its intent to transform the flying experience with curated, high-quality content.
However, the true highlight of the event was a private concert by iconic rocker Lenny Kravitz, who electrified the stage with a high-energy performance that utilized The Sphere’s unparalleled digital and immersive capabilities. Kravitz’s set was more than a concert — it was an immersive audio-visual journey, leveraging the full power of The Sphere’s 16K LED screens, haptic feedback, and stunning sound system to deliver a sensory experience that left attendees in awe.
Game-Changing Announcements: New Partnerships and Future Concepts
Delta used the keynote to announce several exciting new partnerships that signal the airline’s evolution beyond just transportation.
• Uber and Uber Eats: A new collaboration will allow passengers to seamlessly book rides and have meals delivered directly to Delta lounges and airport gates.
• YouTube: Delta is enhancing its in-flight entertainment options by partnering with YouTube to provide exclusive video content and premium access to trending creators and curated playlists during flights.
The Sphere: A Perfect Venue for Delta’s Vision
Hosting the keynote at The Sphere was a masterstroke by Delta. The venue itself is a technological marvel, boasting the largest wraparound LED screen in the world and cutting-edge haptic technology that makes the experience fully immersive. From digital fireworks displays that lit up the dome to scents of tropical destinations wafting through the air, the Sphere transformed the keynote into an unforgettable, multi-sensory experience.
The venue’s 360-degree visuals took attendees on a virtual journey across the globe, showcasing Delta’s legacy and future in stunning high definition. The combination of visuals, sound, and tactile feedback made the audience feel like they were actually flying through some of Delta’s most iconic routes.
For us attendees lucky enough to snag seats in section 307, the view was particularly spectacular. The dead-center positioning in the Sphere provided what could arguably be the best seat in the house, offering a full panoramic view of the immersive experience. For anyone considering attending a future Sphere event, that’s the section to aim for.
A Celebration of Legacy and the Future
Delta’s keynote wasn’t just about showcasing flashy tech or celebrity endorsements. It was a celebration of a legacy built on human connection and a promise to continue innovating for the next century. Delta CEO, Ed Bastian, spoke to the airline’s core values of service, innovation, and inclusivity, emphasizing Delta’s commitment to making travel more meaningful and accessible to all.
The closing moments of the keynote, featuring a powerful tribute to Delta employees past and present, reinforced this message. The airline’s story is one of resilience, growth, and a steadfast belief in the power of travel to change lives.
With the world's largest tech companies all vying for attention at CES, Delta Airlines stood out by crafting a keynote that was as emotionally resonant as it was forward-thinking. The combination of star power, groundbreaking announcements, and an awe-inspiring venue set a new benchmark for what a CES keynote can be. It was the hottest ticket in town.
As Delta embarks on its next 100 years, the airline’s commitment to human-first innovation and transformative travel experiences is clear. Congratulations, Delta, on a century of flight — and for reminding us that the journey is just as important as the destination.