Redbox operates well over 40,000 movie rental kiosks in the U.S. and has drastically cut back on expansion as it runs out of locations for its boxes. It now looks like the next step in Redbox’s growth strategy is up in the air.

Redbox and Delta Airlines announced a new partnership this morning called “AirBox” that will place small, specially designed Redbox kiosks on select Delta flights. See the news release after the jump for full details.

Here’s the complete news release from Redbox.com:

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. – Outerwall Inc., a leader in automated retail and parent company of Redbox, today announces AirBox, an exciting new partnership with airline industry leader Delta Airlines. AirBox is an innovative new concept in in-flight entertainment, and places several small, Redbox-branded kiosks at strategic locations on select Delta planes. Passengers will be able to rent DVDs and Blu-ray discs from these kiosks just as they would at a standard Redbox kiosks. Rented discs can be returned to the AirBox before the conclusion of the flight for a $.50 credit toward a future Redbox rental, or can be returned at any Redbox kiosk following the flight. Redbox’s standard nightly rental rates apply to all AirBox disc rentals. “AirBox takes the convenience factor of Redbox to new heights,” says Outerwall interim CEO Nora M. Denzel. “Now, instead of being limited by the typical in-flight movie offering, our customers can enjoy the selection and ease-of-use of the Redbox experience wherever their travels may take them.” AirBox will launch this summer on domestic Delta flights with a duration of at least three hours, and will be available on the following aircraft in Delta’s fleet: Boeing 747-400

Boeing 777-200LR and 777-200ER

Boeing 767-300, 767-300ER, and 767-400ER

Boeing 737-900ER

Airbus A330-200 and A330-300

Airbus A0401 “Several movie rental companies currently offer kiosks at airports, but only Redbox and Delta could join forces to bring our customers the ultimate movie experience at 30,000 feet,” says Denzel. “AirBox will revolutionize in-flight entertainment, and we’re thrilled to be a part of our customers’ journeys. The sky’s the limit for AirBox!”

What do you think, Insiders? Would you rent from an AirBox kiosk on your next flight? Will this new concept take off or crash land? Let us know your opinion in the comments.

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