Delta Air Lines soars with more than 19,000 new Windows Phone 8 and Microsoft Dynamics for Retail devices

The next time you purchase a meal while 30,000 feet in the air, take a closer look at the device being used by the flight attendant. If you’re flying with Delta Air Lines, chances are you’ll notice your transaction has been completed on a Windows Phone. 

Delta Air Lines announced today that its global team of more than 19,000 flight attendants has started using Nokia Lumia 820 handsets powered by Windows Phone 8 to interact with customers. These in-flight, Wi-Fi connected devices will leverage an Avanade point of sale (POS) experience on the Microsoft Dynamics for Retail mobile point-of-sale platform.

The move to this Microsoft-driven solution is part of a continued effort by Delta to upgrade cabin equipment and improve the in-flight experience for customers. In fact, Delta was recently named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in the 2013 World’s Most Admired Companies airline industry list, topping the list for the second time in three years. They are obviously doing things right, and we’re proud to be part of it!

In this case, getting off the ground required innovative business solutions and a great mobile platform combined with strong partnerships.

Together, we delivered a Delta-specific customer experience developed by Microsoft, Avanade, AT&T and Nokia to handle onboard purchases from customers, passenger manifestos and frequent flyer information, connecting gate updates, flight attendant scheduling updates and more. The unique Windows Phone Live Tiles provide the latest information at a glance, including local weather details and flight tracking information from the Delta Fly app. Additionally, flight attendants are more connected and productive with Microsoft Office integration and linked email inboxes.   

Windows Phone running Microsoft Dynamics for Retail has the power and scale to support Delta’s business and help them continue to build their brand reputation by delivering outstanding customer experiences.  Delta serves more than 160 million customers each year, and we are delighted to play a part in helping each of them have a great in-flight experience.  

Read more about how Windows Phone and Dynamics are helping Delta’s flight attendants soar in Delta’s press release, as well as on our Microsoft Dynamics Blog.

 You might also be interested in:

• Learning about other customers using Microsoft technologies
• Windows Phone, the smartphone reinvented
• Becoming a Dynamic retailer with Microsoft Dynamics
• The Avanade Blog
• Conversations by Nokia

Wayne Morris, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Business Solutions Marketing