Air India has previewed its new Vista Digital Platform, an in-house inflight system combining entertainment, loyalty, commerce and travel services across the passenger journey.
Air India has previewed its next-generation inflight entertainment platform, with deployment scheduled to begin progressively from the second half of 2027. The Air India Vista Digital Platform will connect entertainment, loyalty, commerce and travel services through the airline’s wider digital ecosystem. Air India developed the software in-house through its design and technology teams.
The airline will introduce the platform first on selected new aircraft deliveries before extending it across the fleet over time. It is currently integrating the software with existing inflight entertainment hardware systems. The rollout forms part of Air India’s broader strategy to create a more consistent and personalised passenger experience.
Platform extends Air India’s digital ecosystem into the cabin
Unlike traditional standalone inflight entertainment systems, Vista Digital Platform will connect with Air India’s mobile app, website and backend systems. As a result, passengers could eventually access loyalty services, travel information and selected booking features directly from their seatback screens.
The airline also plans to develop its mobile app as a companion experience. Travellers will be able to browse entertainment before boarding and curate preferences in advance. They will also be able to interact with the inflight system during the journey.
Dr. Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Air India, said:
“The adoption of open-source operating systems by in-flight entertainment hardware vendors, the deployment of satellite broadband connectivity on aircraft and modern AI technologies create a unique ‘app store launch moment’ for reimagining the airline cabin experience. We are one of the few pioneering airlines of the world to create a connected software platform in-house that powers personalized entertainment and commerce experiences for guests. With this advancement, the inflight entertainment system has the potential to become the most important screen our guests interact with, joining Air India’s award-winning mobile app and website as one of our core digital consumer platforms. While deployment will commence progressively from the second half of 2027, we are excited to share an early preview of the platform.”
Consistent experience across different aircraft
One of the main objectives of Air India Vista is to reduce differences between entertainment interfaces across aircraft types. The software will provide a more consistent navigation experience even when passengers travel on aircraft with different hardware systems.
In addition, the platform will support over-the-air software and content updates. This capability should allow Air India to introduce improvements and new services more quickly. It should also reduce the complexity and cost of updating inflight systems.
Personalisation continues across multiple journeys
Vista Digital Platform will also allow passengers to carry preferences across flights. For example, a traveller could resume a film or programme from the same point on a later Air India journey. This continuity aims to make the inflight experience feel more like a modern streaming service.
Artificial intelligence will support content discovery across entertainment and other onboard services. The system could recommend films, meals, travel products, games, children’s content and reading material based on individual preferences.
Travelplanning services
Therefore, the seatback screen will move beyond its traditional role as an entertainment device. Air India intends to turn it into a broader digital service platform throughout the passenger journey.
New commerce tools will connect passengers with destinations
The platform will also introduce a patent-pending “commerce-on-map” capability. This feature could allow travellers to discover and book experiences linked to destinations they are flying over or planning to visit.
The concept connects inflight entertainment with travel inspiration and destination commerce. As a result, passengers could move from discovering a place on the route map to exploring related services without leaving the inflight system.
Rollout starts with new aircraft deliveries
Air India Vista will enter service progressively, beginning with selected new aircraft deliveries in the second half of 2027. The airline then plans to extend the platform across its wider fleet as integration progresses.
The new system will serve as a foundation for future digital products and passenger services. As inflight connectivity and artificial intelligence develop further, Air India plans to use Vista Digital Platform to introduce new features across entertainment, commerce and the wider travel experience