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Crunchyroll Launches In-Flight Entertainment Anime on Delta in Early November

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 12:11 GMT by Anime News Network
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Crunchyroll Partners with Delta Air Lines to Bring Anime to the Skies

On October 23, 2025, Crunchyroll and Delta Air Lines announced a novel partnership that will bring a curated library of anime directly to passengers on Delta’s in‑flight entertainment platform beginning in early November. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in both companies’ efforts to expand their audiences: Crunchyroll, the world’s largest dedicated anime streaming service, and Delta, a leading U.S. airline known for its commitment to enhancing the passenger experience.

The Launch Details

The new service will be available to all passengers on Delta’s main‑line and premium cabins, including Delta One and Premium Select. It will debut on all U.S. domestic flights, and the airline plans to roll it out to its international routes in the following months. Passengers will access the anime collection through Delta’s existing in‑flight entertainment hub, Delta Studio, which integrates streaming from third‑party providers. A dedicated “Anime” section will be added to the platform, making it simple to find titles, watch full episodes, and even enjoy pre‑selected “Anime Night” playlists.

According to the press release from Crunchyroll, the library will begin with over 40 titles, spanning popular long‑running series, recent blockbusters, and newer releases that have received critical acclaim. Some of the flagship series slated for inclusion are My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, One Piece, Demon Slayer, Spy × Family, and The Rising of the Shield Hero. In addition to mainstream favorites, the selection will feature anime that appeal to a range of ages, from children to adults, in keeping with Delta’s aim to attract a younger demographic.

How It Works

Passengers will be able to watch anime via the Delta Studio app on their personal devices or through the in‑flight entertainment system’s onboard Wi‑Fi. The content will be streamed over Delta’s existing “Netflix for airlines” infrastructure, ensuring a smooth viewing experience even at cruising altitude. The integration will include a single sign‑on feature that allows Delta passengers to use their airline login credentials to access the service, while independent users who already have Crunchyroll accounts can also log in to their profiles. For passengers who do not yet have a Crunchyroll subscription, the service will offer a complimentary 30‑day trial, allowing them to explore the catalog before committing to a paid plan.

To keep the content fresh, Crunchyroll has pledged to add new titles on a quarterly basis, with the first updates scheduled for December 2025. In addition, the partnership will provide early access to upcoming anime releases, giving Delta customers a preview of the latest seasonal anime before it becomes available to the general public.

Strategic Rationale

Crunchyroll’s Chief Marketing Officer, Emily Park, emphasized the strategic fit of the partnership. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Delta and bring anime to the skies,” Park said. “This partnership underscores our commitment to expanding access to anime for fans worldwide and introduces a new way for passengers to enjoy our content during travel.”

From Delta’s perspective, CEO Ed Bastian highlighted the airline’s ongoing effort to differentiate itself in the competitive airline market. “We are constantly looking for innovative ways to enrich our passengers’ experience,” Bastian explained. “By integrating Crunchyroll’s expansive anime library, we’re not only providing a highly sought‑after entertainment option but also creating a unique value proposition that appeals to a younger, digitally savvy customer base.”

Industry analysts have noted that this partnership could serve as a model for other airlines seeking to broaden their in‑flight entertainment offerings. “Delta’s move signals that airlines are becoming more attuned to niche entertainment preferences,” said aviation analyst Miguel Torres. “If successful, we can expect other carriers—particularly those with younger or more tech‑focused customers—to follow suit.”

Expansion and Future Plans

While the initial rollout focuses on Delta’s U.S. network, Crunchyroll has already begun discussions with other airlines, including JetBlue and United Airlines, to expand the anime streaming service to additional carriers. Crunchyroll’s executive team is also exploring partnerships with regional airlines that serve specific markets with a high density of anime fans.

The press release noted that Crunchyroll’s global presence will enable Delta to offer localized subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages. “Our catalog already features content in English, Japanese, Spanish, and many other languages,” said Park. “We’re excited to see how this expands our reach and enriches the travel experience for a diverse set of passengers.”

Industry Context

In a broader context, the partnership aligns with a growing trend of airlines leveraging digital content to create differentiated experiences. Delta’s collaboration with Crunchyroll follows earlier initiatives that saw the airline offering on‑board streaming services from Netflix and Hulu, as well as exclusive live sports and original programming. The addition of anime adds a distinct cultural dimension, tapping into a global fanbase that values immersive storytelling.

The partnership also reflects Crunchyroll’s strategy to diversify beyond traditional streaming. By embedding its content in airline entertainment systems, Crunchyroll is moving into new distribution channels that provide passive and active engagement opportunities. The airline industry’s high‑bandwidth environments offer a perfect platform for streaming high‑definition content, ensuring that the anime viewing experience is comparable to home settings.

Conclusion

Crunchyroll’s partnership with Delta Air Lines heralds a new era of in‑flight entertainment that blends entertainment innovation with strategic collaboration. With a robust library of anime, a seamless viewing experience, and a clear commitment to expanding into new markets, the service promises to reshape how airline passengers engage with content during their travels. Passengers can expect to see the first wave of anime titles appear in early November, and the partnership may well set the stage for further alliances between streaming platforms and airlines around the world.