Air India, India’s leading global airline, has unveiled a preview of Vista Digital Platform, its next-generation connected inflight entertainment (IFE) software designed to transform the onboard entertainment and service experience.
Developed by Air India’s in-house design and software teams, the platform will feature several patent-pending innovations and is currently being integrated with IFE hardware systems.
Progressive deployment is planned to begin in FY2028, starting with select new aircraft deliveries before being extended across the fleet over time.
Extending Air India’s digital ecosystem
Unlike conventional IFE platforms that largely operate as standalone systems, Vista Digital Platform is designed as an extension of Air India’s wider digital ecosystem.
The platform will combine modern software architecture, artificial intelligence and inflight connectivity to enable Air India to introduce new features, services and content faster and at lower cost.
Air India, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Dr. Satya Ramaswamy said the convergence of open-source operating systems, satellite broadband connectivity and AI is creating an opportunity to rethink the airline cabin experience.
He said Air India is developing a connected software platform in-house to power personalised entertainment and commerce experiences, with the IFE system potentially becoming one of the airline’s core digital consumer platforms alongside its mobile app and website.
Consistent experience across aircraft
Vista Digital Platform is designed to provide passengers with a consistent interface across different aircraft types, addressing variations in IFE systems across the fleet.
The platform will support over-the-air software and content updates, allowing new features and improvements to be introduced more efficiently.
Connected digital journey
The platform is being designed to work with Air India’s mobile app, website and backend digital platforms. Future capabilities could allow passengers to access loyalty services, travel information and selected booking-related features through seatback screens.
The Air India mobile app is also expected to evolve as a companion to the IFE system, allowing passengers to browse and curate entertainment preferences before boarding and interact with the onboard system during the flight.
Personalisation across journeys
Vista Digital Platform will enable entertainment preferences to travel with passengers across flights. For instance, passengers could potentially resume a movie or programme from the point where they stopped on a previous Air India flight.
The interface will draw on experiences familiar from modern OTT and streaming platforms, with AI intended to help passengers discover relevant entertainment and services.
These could include movies and programmes, meals, travel products, gaming, children’s content and reading materials.
Commerce through interactive maps
One of the platform’s innovations is a patent-pending “commerce-on-map” capability, which could allow passengers to discover and book experiences and travel services associated with destinations they are flying over or planning to visit.
Air India said the feature is intended to combine destination discovery with convenience and commerce during the journey.
Vista Digital Platform forms part of Air India’s broader strategy to develop technology platforms that shape the future of its guest experience. The airline said the platform is expected to provide a foundation for new digital products, services and experiences as connectivity, artificial intelligence and other technologies evolve.