Anime Hits New Heights As Crunchyroll Joins Delta’s In-Flight Entertainment

In the latest sign that anime has well and truly reached the mainstream, starting later this year, travelers on Delta Air Lines will be able to stream a curated selection of titles from Crunchyroll on seatback screens and personal devices across the company’s global network.

The deal marks the first time Crunchyroll has partnered with a major U.S. airline to bring anime directly into the in-flight entertainment ecosystem. Delta, which boasts the most seatback screens of any U.S.-based airline at over 169,000, will offer the lineup both on those screens and via Delta Sync Wi-Fi, available on more than 900 aircraft.

SkyMiles Members who log into Delta Sync during a flight will also receive a 24-hour free trial to Crunchyroll’s massive anime library, which includes over 50,000 episodes spanning 2,000-plus titles.

Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini sees the collaboration as a perfect fit for anime’s immersive storytelling. “There is nothing better on a long flight than immersing yourself in the rich storytelling and world-building of anime,” Purini said. “Fans can go deep on one series or sample many. And when they get hooked, they can continue their experience on the Crunchyroll app.”

For Delta, the move aligns with its push to reflect passengers’ passions in its entertainment lineup. “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,” said Julieta McCurry, Delta’s VP of in-flight entertainment and connectivity.