Delta Air Lines Receives Praise for Keynote Speech at Iconic Venue 'Seupeeo'
18,000 Attendees Experience Cutting-Edge Technology
Airline Successfully Revamps Image by Embracing Technology
American airline Delta captured all eyes at CES 2025, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, which opened on the 7th (local time). While Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, delivered a keynote the day before that resembled a pilgrimage procession, Delta received praise for making the changes in aviation that ordinary people encounter in daily life feel like a party through advanced technology, allowing attendees to enjoy the experience.
At 5 p.m. that day, those who had received tickets in advance lined up and headed to the Sphere. Outside the Sphere, scenes of Delta airplanes flying were already being displayed. The Sphere is a new landmark in Las Vegas, a spherical performance venue. Delta's choice to hold its keynote at this venue, where superstars like U2 and The Eagles perform to commemorate its 100th anniversary, was the right one. The curiosity about the first-ever keynote held at the Sphere stimulated CES participants' interest.
Delta operated the venue to create the illusion of boarding an airplane. Free in-flight meals and beverages were distributed at the concession stands inside the venue. Photo opportunities were set up throughout, and staff dressed as pilots and flight attendants guided the participants.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, is delivering a keynote speech at CES 2025 held on the 7th (local time) at the famous 'Speer' in Las Vegas, and his image is being projected on a giant display. Photo by Baek Jong-min
The CES organizers also emphasized that this was the first keynote held at the Sphere, boosting excitement. Finally, the keynote began, and Delta CEO Ed Bastian appeared on stage. Throughout the speech, screens showing the interior of the Sphere changed frequently, enhancing participants' immersion. Although there were some technical glitches during the keynote, they were not significant enough to detract from the event.
On the 7th (local time), a Delta Air Lines airplane is depicted flying outside the famous Las Vegas venue 'The Sphere.' Photo by Baek Jong-min
Throughout the speech, the world's largest LED screen inside the Sphere displayed scenes of airplanes leaving the hangar, simulations of actual aircraft takeoff, and digital fireworks, making it impossible to look away.
After the keynote, famous singer and guitarist Lenny Kravitz delivered a spectacular performance. Participants sang along to Kravitz's songs, experiencing the excitement as if enjoying nightlife at a travel destination after arriving by plane.
After the event, a reporter who attended said, "Regardless of the content, the event itself was amazing." While CEO Huang's keynote focused on technology, Delta received praise for appealing to emotions.
After the keynote by Delta Air Lines held on the 7th at the famous Las Vegas venue 'The Sphere,' the performance by singer and guitarist Lenny Kravitz appeared as if it were taking place in a recording studio. Photo by Baek Jong-min
That day, Delta announced plans to integrate an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant feature into its application (app) and unveiled upgrades to in-flight entertainment through collaboration with YouTube. They also revealed a partnership with ride-sharing company Uber to earn mileage points when using taxi or food delivery services. The event showcased a scenario where travelers move from home to the airport via an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufactured by Joby Aviation. Delta also emphasized its commitment to contributing to expanding sustainability and aircraft development technology through collaboration with Airbus.
What is important is that through this event, Delta successfully established a leading image in the field of aviation innovation. Whether the announced plans will actually be implemented seemed less significant. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, "Our job is not to transport people, but to bring people together."
About 18,000 attendees ended the first day of CES with Bastian's words etched in their minds. It was a night that left a considerable impression.
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