##  Delta’s connected onboard platform recognized as best in industry 



Delta Air Lines earned Crystal Cabin Award recognition for its Connected Onboard Platform, a patented fleetwide digital foundation within the Delta Sync ecosystem that improves reliability and enables smarter service.



Staff Writer

Mon, 04/20/2026 - 11:00

[Pilot and FA crew](/media/image/70776)

Delta has once again set the standard for in-flight innovation, earning top industry recognition for its commitment to delivering a seamless, connected onboard experience.



At the heart of this achievement is Delta’s Connected Onboard Platform (CoP), a first‑of‑its‑kind digital foundation that works behind the scenes to combine operational, connectivity and customer experience data across all in‑flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) partners. Already scaled across the entire Delta fleet, the CoP improves the overall customer experience by enabling greater reliability; faster, smarter service recovery; better connectivity in the cabin; and more informed crews.



[The Crystal Cabin awards](https://www.inflight-online.com/crystal-cabin-award-2026-winners-announced/), one of the industry’s highest accolades honoring outstanding aircraft innovation, recognized the ingenuity and impact of the CoP – the *only* airline-architected framework capable of unifying data across any provider.



“The Connected Onboard Platform is foundational to how we operate. Our customers may never *see* the platform, but they feel it on every flight,” said Glenn Latta, managing director – In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity. “This achievement is a testament to the engineers, operators and partners who made CoP possible, breaking down silos across the customer and employee experience to design something truly one-of-a-kind that fits the needs of our business.”



The Crystal Cabin Award wasn’t the only trophy for Delta’s IFEC work in Hamburg: the team also took home a PAX Readership Award for the innovative dual-network connectivity solution that will power Wi-Fi onboard Delta’s 717 fleet (in partnership with Hughes). [The PAX Readership Awards](https://www.pax-intl.com/pax-awards.html) — covering airline technology, amenities and outstanding food service and catering — are voted on by airline executives, suppliers and decision-makers and excellence in the aviation industry.

It’s more notable recognition for Delta’s IFEC team — last year, Delta’s Wi-Fi program was awarded the APEX Best™ Global Wi-Fi Award, presented by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Services Association (IFSA). Delta is proud to be [America’s most-awarded airline](https://news.delta.com/delta-americas-most-awarded-airline).



With fast, free Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile available across nearly 1,200 aircraft – more than any other U.S. airline — Delta continues to invest in technologies and experiences that keep SkyMiles Members connected to what matters to them.



In case you missed it, see below for the latest news on Delta’s in-flight connectivity and onboard partners:

 [![A Delta jet flies above a cloud layer at sunset, with a faint digital grid pattern overlaid across the sky.](/sites/default/files/styles/callout_embed_image/public/2026-03/kuiper_delta_planeexterior_aurora_d_v03_sm.jpg?itok=60LHLpO_)](/delta-amazon-leo-sign-agreement-deliver-next-era-connected-travel-and-digital-experiences)

 

[On Board](/category/board)

 [Delta, Amazon Leo sign agreement to deliver next era of connected travel and digital experiences](/delta-amazon-leo-sign-agreement-deliver-next-era-connected-travel-and-digital-experiences)



Delta will introduce Amazon Leo on hundreds of Delta aircraft, starting with an initial installation on 500 aircraft beginning 2028, and work with Amazon to expand its popular Delta Sync Wi-Fi and seatback experiences—delighting customers with even more personalized connections on board. The agreement expands on the existing collaboration between AWS and Delta, bringing even more advanced technology to Delta people, customers, and operations and extending the airline’s reputation for world-class service.



 

 



 [![](/sites/default/files/styles/callout_embed_image/public/nyt_sync_lp_spotlight-card-b.png?itok=U9AGZX3T)](/delta-sync-welcomes-new-york-times-onboard-world-class-journalism-games-and-more-discover)

 

[On Board](/category/board)

 [Delta Sync welcomes The New York Times onboard: World-class journalism, games and more to discover ](/delta-sync-welcomes-new-york-times-onboard-world-class-journalism-games-and-more-discover)



SkyMiles Members can now enjoy 24-hour complimentary access to The New York Times both during their flight and after landing. The partnership brings award-winning journalism, games and more into Delta’s premium, content-rich in-flight entertainment experience.



 

 









[Awards & Recognition](/category/awards-recognition)

Tags

[Awards](/tags/awards)

[Technology](/tags/technology)