Delta joins forces with Uber and YouTube, also launches AI

“We want to transform the way users travel, that’s why we need to know them better and help them make their trip an improved experience,” Bastian mentioned in the presentation given by the company, from Sphere.

Within these plans, the airline announced the use of a “multimodal” tool that will integrate transportation options such as Uber and, eventually, Joby air taxis. This represents the end of the alliance with LyftUber’s rival, which had lasted eight years.

The Concierge chatbot will take advantage of the user’s location and itinerary data to suggest more efficient routes, as well as alerting about passport expiration or visa requirements. In the future, Delta envisions this tool also being able to offer personalized recommendations on how to pack and prepare for the weather.

On the other hand, the airline has introduced exclusive benefits for SkyMiles members, allowing them to link their Uber account and accumulate miles with each use. Members will earn 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to or from airports, 2 miles per dollar on premium services, and 3 miles per dollar on Uber advance bookings. They will also be able to accumulate 1 mile for every dollar on eligible orders from restaurants and supermarkets. This will begin to be tested in the United States, but there are still no details on how it will work in other markets.

In the case of the association with YouTube, the company said that its audio and video service will be available completely free on Delta flights in the US and Canada, in addition to being able to take advantage of the 4K screens that its planes will have in the coming months. .

Finally, the airline is collaborating with Airbus to develop more sustainable aircraft. The airline aims for sustainable aviation fuel – derived mainly from plant or animal materials – to represent 95% of its fuel consumption by 2050. In addition, both companies will work on technologies such as hydrogen-powered flights, more efficient wing designs and configurations. that take advantage of the energy generated by the contrails of other aircraft, all with the aim of drastically reducing emissions.