Air India has previewed Vista Digital Platform, its next-generation digital inflight entertainment platform designed to connect entertainment, loyalty, commerce and travel services across the guest journey. Developed by Air India’s in-house design and software teams, the platform is being integrated with inflight entertainment hardware systems. A phased rollout is planned to begin with select new aircraft deliveries in FY2028, before being extended across the airline’s fleet.

Unlike traditional inflight entertainment systems, Vista Digital Platform is designed to work as part of Air India’s wider digital ecosystem. It will connect with the airline’s mobile app, website and backend platforms, while using modern software architecture, AI and inflight connectivity to introduce new features and content more efficiently.

Dr. Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Air India, said the combination of open-source operating systems, satellite connectivity and AI is creating new opportunities to rethink the airline cabin experience. He added that Air India is among the airlines developing a connected software platform in-house to support personalised entertainment and commerce experiences. Vista Digital Platform is designed to offer a consistent interface across different aircraft types, making navigation more familiar for guests. Over-the-air updates will also allow Air India to introduce new features and content more efficiently.

The platform will connect with Air India’s mobile app, allowing guests to browse and curate entertainment preferences before boarding. In the future, the seatback screen could also provide access to loyalty services, travel information and selected booking features. Personalisation will continue across journeys, allowing guests to resume movies or programmes from where they stopped on a previous Air India flight.

The experience will also take inspiration from modern streaming platforms, with AI helping guests discover relevant entertainment, meals, travel products, gaming, children's content and reading materials. Another planned feature is a patent-pending “commerce-on-map” capability. It could allow guests to discover and book experiences and travel services connected to destinations they are flying over or planning to visit. Vista Digital Platform is part of Air India’s broader digital strategy, with the airline looking to use technology, connectivity and AI to develop new products and services across the guest journey.