In a move set to elevate in-flight entertainment, anime streaming giant Crunchyroll has announced a partnership with Delta Airlines, making over 2,000 titles from its extensive library available to passengers on seatback screens later this year.
The collaboration will introduce more than 50,000 episodes of anime series and films, totaling around 25,000 hours of content, across Delta's fleet. This vast selection will be curated by Crunchyroll and accessible on over 169,000 seatback screens, allowing travelers to dive into genres ranging from high-octane action and thrilling adventures to heartfelt romances and beyond. The initiative aims to transform long-haul flights into immersive viewing experiences, catering to both dedicated anime enthusiasts and newcomers eager to explore the medium.
Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini highlighted the appeal of anime during travel in a statement to TheWrap: “There is nothing better on a long flight than immersing yourself in the rich storytelling and world-building of anime. Fans can go deep on one series or sample one episode of many series – from action to adventure, romance and more. And when they get hooked they can continue their experience on the Crunchyroll app. We are excited to share what we love with Delta passengers and go to new heights together.”
Delta Airlines is equally enthusiastic about the partnership, emphasizing its role in enhancing customer experiences. Julieta McCurry, Delta's Vice President of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity, stated: “At Delta, we see every flight as an opportunity for discovery. Whether you’re diving into the anime genre for the first time or continuing a favorite series, bringing Crunchyroll to Delta gives our customers access to a world of storytelling while onboard and beyond. It’s part of Delta’s commitment to delivering industry-leading entertainment that reflects the passions and interests of our customers.”
Beyond the seatback offerings, the deal includes perks for Delta's SkyMiles members. Those who connect to Delta Sync Wi-Fi on their personal devices during flights will receive special promotions, such as a 24-hour trial access to Crunchyroll's full library. This trial can be redeemed either in the air or after landing, though certain terms and exclusions may apply, providing a seamless bridge from in-flight viewing to continued streaming at home.
This partnership underscores the growing mainstream appeal of anime, a genre that has seen explosive global popularity in recent years. Crunchyroll, known for its vast catalog of licensed anime content, continues to expand its reach through innovative collaborations. As an independently operated joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment in the U.S. and Japan's Aniplex—a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.—Crunchyroll benefits from strong ties to major content creators, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality titles.
For Delta, the addition of Crunchyroll aligns with its broader strategy to diversify in-flight entertainment options. The airline has long prioritized connectivity and content variety, with features like Delta Sync Wi-Fi enabling personalized experiences. By incorporating anime, Delta taps into a passionate demographic, potentially attracting younger travelers and international passengers who resonate with the cultural phenomenon.
The rollout is expected later in 2025, though exact dates and specific routes have not been detailed. Passengers can look forward to browsing Crunchyroll's curated selections directly from their seats, making layovers and transcontinental journeys more engaging.
This development comes at a time when in-flight entertainment is evolving rapidly, with airlines competing to offer premium, on-demand content to differentiate their services. Crunchyroll's entry into aviation entertainment could set a precedent for other niche streaming platforms to follow suit.
