Air India has offered a preview of a new in-house digital in-flight entertainment platform, with a phased rollout planned to begin next year alongside new aircraft deliveries, the airline announced Tuesday.

Air India's in-house design and software teams developed the Vista Digital Platform, which includes several patent-pending features. It is currently being integrated with in-flight entertainment hardware systems, with deployment set to begin in FY2028, starting with select new aircraft before expanding across the fleet.

According to the airline, the platform is designed to connect entertainment, loyalty, commerce, and travel services throughout the passenger journey and to work as an extension of Air India's broader digital ecosystem rather than operating as a standalone in-flight system, as is the case with most traditional platforms.

Dr Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Air India, said the adoption of open-source operating systems by in-flight entertainment hardware makers, satellite broadband connectivity on aircraft, and modern AI technologies had created what he called an "app store launch moment" for reimagining the airline cabin experience.

He added that Air India is among the first airlines globally to build a connected software platform of this kind in-house and that the in-flight entertainment screen has the potential to become one of the airline's core digital consumer touchpoints, alongside its mobile app and website. He noted that full deployment will progressively begin in the second half of 2027. 

Among the platform's planned features are a consistent interface across different aircraft types, over-the-air software and content updates, and integration with Air India's mobile app and website so passengers can access loyalty services, travel information, and booking-related features from the seatback screen.

The airline also said the platform will allow passengers to resume entertainment, such as a movie, from where they left off on a previous flight and will use AI to recommend content and services, including meals, travel products, games, and reading material.

The airline further said the platform will include a "commerce-on-map" feature, allowing passengers to discover and book destination-related experiences and travel services during flight.

Air India described Vista Digital Platform as part of its broader strategy to build technology platforms for future guest experiences, with the system expected to serve as a foundation for further digital services as connectivity and AI technology evolve.

Source: PRR